One of the joys of Esperanza’s lawns is the amazing number of things that grow in them: lawn grass, of course, other grasses, sedges,violets, bluets, mosses (including sphagnum moss), escaping spring bulbs such as scilla, snowdrops, trout lilies, etc, pussy-toes, daisies, and on and on.  The variety runs throughout the summer.

Now, I will admit that a pure, emerald green carpet has a definite elegance.  The west lawn is primarily such a lawn, running smoothly down the slope to the west below the apple trees.  I might point out that, being as it faces west, it also nicely shows off the low light angles of sunset.  Said low angles make green lawns even greener.

So, there is a place for such showpieces.  But, three-quarters of our lawn is not that.  It is this fascinatingly diverse array, perhaps a bit out of hand in some areas, I will confess, making mowing a bit hard.  Still one can look for hours at the plants and animals in it.  I easily do so now, and (perhaps even more importantly) I easily did so as a child.

What child is going to be interested in the perfect green carpet? Yes, it makes an ideal place to play On (as the west lawn is ideal for rolling down) but not a place to be absorbed by, to play In.  I’m not particularly good with little children, I’ll freely confess.  But, still it seems to me, that our modern astro-turf lawn must be a very boring playground with little to stimulate the imagination, in comparison to even the simple clovers, mosses, and dandelions that we exterminate with such vigor.  Where are the leprechauns, the lions, the mysterious toadstools with their caterpillars and gnomes? Where is the wild bank of thyme in its eternal breeze?