From The Archive: Grasses and Lawns
Kathy Clugston guides us through the GQT archives in search of advice on lawns and grasses.
Kathy Clugston sows the seeds of knowledge on the topics of lawn care and grasses, with help from the extensive GQT Archive.
Now that we’re well into the summer season, grass maintenance and lawn care have become top priority for most gardeners.
GQT’s various horticultural experts from over the years share their tips and knowledge on how to restore patchy lawns, what variety of bamboo would thrive in small gardens, and how to get rid of moss without damaging the healthy plants around it.
Later, we listen back to when Anne Swithinbank met with ornamental grass guru Neil Lucas, to discuss if there’s truly a variety for everyone.
Producer: Dan Cocker

Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod

Executive Producer: Carly Maile
A Somethin' Else production for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 4
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Plant List
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided.
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Q – How do I get rid of Pearlwort? (01’15)
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Q – Would applying fertilizer or weed killer to lawn sand irradicate weeds from my lawn quickly? (02’56)
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Q – What can I do to kill the moss growing in my flower beds without damaging the plants around it? (05’06)
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Q – What should I do about the giant cracks in my lawn? Should I try backfilling now with compost? Or just leave until it eventually rains? (08’35)
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Q – There are lot of patches in my lawn – would you recommend scarifying it this autumn? Or leaving it until the spring? (11’44)
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Feature – Anne Swithinbank met ornamental grass guru Neil Lucas to discuss if there’s a variety suited to everyone. (13’45)
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Neil Lucas –
Miscanthus, elephant grass
Panicum, finger grass
Pennisetum, Fountain grass
Carex, sedge
Nassella, needle grass
Hakonechloa, japanese forest grass
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Q – What variety of bamboo could I grow in my small Cumbrian garden? (18’22)
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Matthew Wilson –
PhyllostachysÌýnigra, black bamboo
PhyllostachysÌýaureosulcata, golden groove bamboo
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Anne Swithinbank –
NandinaÌýdomestica, heavenly bamboo
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Feature – Peter Gibbs and the Panel visit AFC Wimbledon to learn more about their lawn care routine? (22’38)
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Q – We think we have Fusarium growing on our lawn, how do we get rid of it? (28’13)
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Q – Our lawn gets no treatment at all, apart from routine mowing.Ìý There's grass, plenty of clover, few dandelions, creeping buttercup, but we haven't seen a single Daisy. Do you experts have any idea why? (31’11)
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Q – Any tips on how to prepare a lawn for the dormant winter months so that in the spring, it comes back luxurious? (34’50)
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Q – I have a giant pampas grass in my garden. The plumes are about 15 foot high, but it is slowly spreading. How do I halve it without damaging it? (38’14)
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Broadcasts
- Fri 19 Jul 2024 15:00³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 4 FM
- Sun 21 Jul 2024 14:00³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 4 FM
Six of GQT’s naughtiest gardening innuendos
When Gardeners' Question Time got mucky.
Podcast
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Gardeners' Question Time
Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts