Mark Horton wrote to Burke's Backyard to tell Don about his two neighbours, Simon Wright, who is an Australian, and Pete Kavanagh, a New Zealander. Simon and Pete are engaged in a bit of 'friendly' trans-Tasman rivalry over who has the best nature strip in the street! Mark has called upon Don to judge the nature strips and settle the dispute once and for all.

Turf war

Kiwi Pete moved into the street two years ago. Soon after, he dug up his nature strip and sowed it with grass seed. Having the best lawn in the street has now become a real passion for Pete and he spends all his time watering, weeding, reseeding and applying different fertilisers. He has even been spotted pouring 57 stubbies of home brew onto the nature strip!

Aussie Simon felt depressed about his ugly nature strip, particularly as the one across the road looked immaculate. He was also unhappy that he was being outdone by a kiwi! He spent a month digging, preparing the soil and sowing seed. Simon now has a fabulous nature strip, which he ropes off at all times to keep dogs and people away.

Pete's tips for the perfect nature strip

Type of lawn: A mix including Couch, High Fescue and clover.
In summer: Mows roughly once a week, but never too close. Waters regularly.
In winter: Mows approximately once a month, waters when necessary.
His tips: Pete uses a variety of fertilisers, and never cuts the lawn too short.

Simon's recipe for success

Type of lawn: Seeded with High Fescue.
In summer: Mows the lawn once a week - not too close. Waters thoroughly (a good soak) every few days in early morning or evening.
In winter: Mows the lawn once a fortnight - only gives a light trimming to encourage roots. Waters when needed.
His tip: To get the soil pH level correct before seeding. He purchased a pH kit from a local nursery and added lime to the soil to establish a pH of 7.

Truce?

Don met with Simon and Pete and congratulated them both on their beautiful lawns. It looks as if their rivalry will continue, but according to Mark, that's not such a bad thing. It has been a hot topic of conversation in the community, and many other neighbours are now taking more pride in their nature strips and improving the amenity of the street.

Copyright CTC Productions 2002