Lawns: In or out?

[Chrisg]

There seems to be a constant back and forth on lawns. So what is the view here are we currently more pro lawns or anti them. And has anyone replaced theirs with anything flash. Was it Ade who replaced his with astroturf?

I am pro lawns. I don't need a massive expanse, but I do like sit on grass on nice sunny days. I think it is the smell of cut grass that takes me back to being a kid that is as much a draw.

[David Matzdorf]

Never had one, don't want one. I could cite all sorts of eco-reasons about high-maintenance monocrops and biodiversity, but the real reason is that they take up scarce room that I can use to grow interesting plants. ;)

[Ade Shattock]

Whether they are in or out of fashion I'll always have a lawn.
Ive yet to see anything that sets plants off like a nice green well cut lawn.

Yes you are right I have got a plastic lawn in the back garden but that was forced upon me really as I had no chance of keeping the grass looking good with a female Black Labrador, we tried of all the suggested ways but couldnt stop her killing patches off.
Plastic lawns are now everywhere and thats down to the DIY sheds selling them, not quite the quality of the Lazy Lawn that I managed to blag but not far off.
I'll be buying some for my driveway, I have grass up the middle of concrete but now my car sits on the driveway more now when Im cycling to work and the boat lives on the drive as well then the grass doesnt get enough light and looks pretty bad.

I still have the front garden lawn and although I struggle with moss I still enjoy cutting it and I certainly get something out of seeing the freshly cut lawn.

[charlie]

I often think how great it would be to lose the lawn (or more precisely green stuff - lawn is definitely a courtesy title!) but I always end up agreeing with my wife (its usually best) that its nice to look across grass at plants

[tony]

I may be mad but I love looking after my lawn, despite the challenges of the dogs' wee patches, dry sandy soil , and a neighbours large conifer sucking all the moisture out of a large part of it. Love the smell of freshly cut grass and love how ten minutes trimming the edges smartens up the whole garden immensely. Imho it is the best foil to set off the plantings. I notice that the RSPB say that some short cut grass in a garden is desireable, particularly for thrushes and blackbirds. Its great seeing green woodpeckers hoovering up ants during a hot spell.

[Darran]

All depends on situation and space. I don't think it should be a case of having a lawn as a fashion statement or vice versa.

The smaller the garden the less inclined I would be to have a lawn, not just for the space that it would consume but also maintaining a perfect lawn in a small space is difficult. Every weed, bald patch, worm cast, etc is noticed! I much prefer the larger lawn which acts as a more natural foil to trees, shrubs and landscape features and easily disguise all the problems by providing the illusion of a green space.

[flounder]

I voted pro, but I have removed it from the back. kids swimming pools and trampolines saw to that but patio furniture now the pick of the day. I must admit, the smell of freshly cut moss, dandelions and daisies really makes the effort worthwhile