Artificial lawns - do they have their place

[Philip Voice]

I read this article with great interest.

It seems to me that more people are willing to install plastic lawns and are fed up with having to maintain real grass.

In this lady's case, it is understandable that she should want to put all of her efforts into the borders.

After all, it does take some experience, patience and money and with something this small, the cost implications make it less cost effective.

In what circumstances would you consider installing plastic or are you a real grass nut through and through?

[Mike Seaton]

Artificial lawns are great for difficult to mow or grow grass areas. Ideal for small lawn areas too, especially high traffic shaded lawns like in London. The technical advancement in artificial turf has made it possible to have plastic lawns that have different colours and shades to them, making them appear more like natural grass.

One of my neighbours has an artificial lawn, albeit not laid very well. He complains that he has to 'maintain' it and brush it and weed kill it. It is a sand filled pile. It get the odd moss plant in it too. He does not have to mow it each week but it is not maintenance free - a factor he had not bargained on.

I am into lawns and their care but I have to admit that artificial lawns do have their place in some gardens although I hate to say it!