Lawn Types
Mown Lawns
When most people think about a lawn, they usually imagine a traditional area of mown grass. This is the major style of lawn, and can be used to provide high-quality ornamental lawns, utility lawns, and sports lawns.
A primarily decorative, high-quality lawn provides a perfect, level appearance; and whilst it will withstand some wear, it needs a tremendous amount of maintenance to keep it in immaculate condition. If you think that your lawn will be subjected to heavier wear, such as use as a play area, you should choose a utility lawn; this provides an attractive surface, but can contain minor imperfections and requires much less maintenance. A harder wearing lawn can be created for sports use, such as lawn tennis or bowls.
As the growing point is at the base of the plant, grass may also be repeatedly cut low without damage.
Unmown Lawns
Lawns can also be made up of unmown grass or flower-rich grassland as part of an orchard or wild garden. This style needs very little maintenance, and would be particularly suitable for an area such as a steep slope, where mowing is difficult. It's also worth bearing in mind that flower-rich grasslands thrive on poor soils, so this can be a good way of using a part of the garden where little else grows.
Using a Combination of Styles
Lawn areas can also be made up from a combination of mown and unmown grass. Using long and short grasses in different parts of the garden, or varying the height of cut can add textural contrast and help to define separate areas. For example, a closely mown path running through long grassland can provide an attractive mixture of heights, colours and textures, and will also encourage people to walk only on the path.
Mixing grass lengths and types can be both eye-catching and practical, providing contrasting yet complementary ornamental, wildlife and play areas. For example, if you have a large garden, you could consider creating a small, high-quality lawn positioned near the house where its smart appearance may be easily enjoyed; some steps or a path could then lead to a utility lawn farther away, whilst an area of wild flowers and long grass could provide a sanctuary for wildlife at the far end of the garden.
