THE VALUE OF THE GRASS PATH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3803, 1 February 1927, Page 11

THE VALUE OF THE GRASS PATH.

As a path on which to walk, grass has a definite value in. being one of the most permanent and easily kept—that is, if it is well laid in the first instance. I would like to emphasise the importance of the latter proviso. A grass path must have a well drained yet firm foundation —perhaps more so than any other style of pathway considering the fact that turf is a most porous material, holding water to a large extent; yet, if well drained, turf is as substantially dry to walk upon as stone or gravel may be. To ensure this a firm foundation is also essential, and a very level surface. Given these conditions and the grass kept very short, the grass path will be found as convenient to walk upon after a spell of wet weather as any other kind, lhere is no more unpleasant moisture in a grass path than there is in one made 0!* gravel, in this connection. A drain is essential, and, upon this, well rammed material, preferably also of a facilitates escape of water, then the perfectly level surface must be made, upon which turves are laid or soil placed and seeds sown. There is one important advantage concerning drainage about a grass path, and that is the fact that it can be elevated above the surrounding garden and be kept isolated therefrom, the sides of the path, cut perpendicularly, forming a sort of ditch between path and garden into which all surplus moisture quickly drains, keeping the path actually “high and dry.” This also prevents encroachment of grass upon the garden soil one of the great nuisances attending a grass pathway. A grass path should be made up of the rmest grasses, either in turf or by means of sown seeds; and the mower should be well employed and a clo* e velvetv surface encouraged. It will be found that unless heavy traffic goes over the path, the grass will not wear badly under the tread of many feet if it is keot in -rood condition bv cutting and rolling. a-d j s given a good start bv not being r :-q o use for a considerable time aftc is made up. Otherwise, the grass path should be left out of calculation altogether, for it will be a failure.—The Garden, December