Charles, with respect, ’d never do artificial. It’s already a huge environmental issue. Besides when you rip it out you will find the soil beneath quite sour. We inherited this dreadful lawn, but now that it is autumn I intend to mattock out the big weeds and just gradually fill in with a mixture of non-clumping clover and red thyme. I want to encourage improved biodiversity.

I’ve just come in from my garden. I was weeding a stretch that is filled with pebbles (spare me!). and stopped weeding when I noticed half a dozen butterflies playing around a weed with a little yellow flower head. Who was I to destroy their find?

I know people are busy, but the planet is warming at a rate we are not be able to do much about, and I think every little thing we can do to back pedal is worth a try.

Queensland is in flood. Two areas we had earmarked to buy in, are really suffering, and it’s hard to watch without shedding tears. Sure these are flood plains that used to flood somewhat, but not this badly, every hundred years. Now it happens regularly. Now people will struggle to sell their homes.

Hope I have convinced you to try a living, breathing meadow instea? Have you read my other stories about building an ARK (Act of Restorative Kindness) in your garden. You might also enjoy this. https://www.gardeningetc.com/au/news/stop-mowing-your-lawn-gardening-experts-urge

Good to chat. :)