SOUTHERN LAWNS 171 



CHAPTER XIX 



THE MAKING AND CARE OF SOUTHERN LAWNS 



ON many ot the estates in the South, which are used only as 

 Winter residences, June is the regular time for making over 

 the lawns. Fertilizers are freely used, and after being spread 

 over the surface are ploughed in. The ploughing is usually very 

 deep and the sod is then disc-harrowed in order to cut it very 

 fine. This done, the surface is raked as fine and smooth as it 

 is possible to get it and then is left to mellow until October. Deep 

 raking and smoothing at this time are followed by thick seeding 

 with an evergreen lawn grass seed, and after a rolling with a heavy 

 roller and a watering, the lawn is left to grow. 



In a few weeks the seed will have germinated and grown 

 sufficently to allow cutting. Alternate rolling and cutting, 

 weekly, from this 'time until December will result in a sod that 

 is springy and firm to walk on, soft and velvety to touch, and 

 a picture of green loveliness on which to feast the eyes. 



This procedure is most expensive, and only those with long 

 purses can afford to indulge. There is no doubt but that most 

 of us have to live in our homes twelve months of the year, rather 

 than five, and are more interested, therefore, in the making and 

 care of an all-the-year lawn, than we are in one that is beautiful 

 for less than half of that time. 



In this section of the South and farther, there is but one grass 

 that can be depended upon to give greenness throughout the 

 hot, dry Summer months: that is Bermuda grass, Capriola iCy no- 

 don) dactylon. This grows anywhere, except under trees where 

 .there is dense shade; it may be depended on for lush, rich turf 

 in fertile soils, and for strong, good sod on even the poorest soil. 



