This is a 2-part question. First the facts. My daughter and her husband are landscaping their back garden and have planted a small lawn with seed from Costco. It contains – 42% creeping red fescue 34% turf-type perennial ryegrass 24% Kentucky bluegrass Most of the seeds have now germinated and look very uniform except for dozens of little seedlings that have wider leaves and are a lighter green. As you can see from the photo, it is rhizomatous. They are worried that it will grow in patches that will stand out in the lawn. They know grass seed is usually a mix so the strengths of one type will compensate for the weaknesses of the others. So, the first question is: which of the 3 listed is this grass or is it something else? And the second is: is it possible or advisable to plant a lawn with no rhizomatous species? PS I’ve suggested to them that many people are now substituting other kinds of plants like clover but theirs is a very small lawn and they want it to be grass only. Thank you.
@Margot, Good evening Margot, IMO it is Perennial rye grass, this is tougher that is why it's in an all purpose seed mix. It does not respond well to lower cuts. It is not used in luxury lawn mixes. Your second question depends on what the lawn will be used for. If it is for playing on by children, then the Rygrass is of more benefit as it withstands a harsh workload. Hope this is of some help
I know nothing about this, but when I look this up, all the ones you listed spread by rhizomes. If they're not left uncut to go to seed, how else would they spread and fill in? I do see that one of them has rhizomes and stolons (which were said to be above ground). Is that what you meant? That doesn't sound as nice as having the runners underground.
Good point, Wendy. I didn't realize all 3 types spread by rhizomes. Maybe some are more vigorous than others . . . I know one of the grasses in my lawn wastes no time invading the garden beds. Thank you Acerholic and Wendy; your comments are very helpful.
As it has turned out, the seed blend my daughter and son-in-law bought from Costco seems perfect for this area.
