The most high maintenance part of any garden is the lawn, so many people are opting for lawn substitutes, such as timber decks or paving. Still, it is hard to beat the effect of a beautiful, green lawn.

Don believes the answer to the problem of lawn maintenance lies in the modern varieties of buffalo grass, in particular, Sir Walter, Shademaster and Palmetto. These varieties are vigorous, fast growing, shade tolerant and drought tolerant.

Sir Walter looks good for most of the year- crisp green in colour disease resistant and shade and drought tolerant copes well with herbicides and pesticides grows well in all areas of Australia, except for coldest mountain zones and the arid inland costs about $7-$9 per sq. m.

Palmetto holds its colour well in winter deep green in colour frost and drought tolerant. grows in sun and shade grows in most areas of Australia, and is particularly good in coastal and temperate areas expect to pay about $6.50 per sq. m.

Shademaster grows well in the shade tends to turn purple in winter has a low disease tolerance prone to fungus attack in humid weather costs around $5-$6 per sq. m.

Further information

'Palmetto', 'Sir Walter' and ‘Shademaster’ are available from turf suppliers or nurseries. Prices may vary.

For a list of 'Sir Walter' licenced suppliers visit their website: www.sirwalter.com.au

Copyright CTC Productions 2004