Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) is an excellent
lawn grass for the southern states. Bermuda grass
withstands both heat and drought and will grow
reasonable well even on poor soils. It may be
started by seeding or sodding.
Never allow Bermuda to get started in the garden
or flower beds, for it spreads quickly on
cultivated soil, competing with flowers or
vegetables for moisture. IT mau be killed our
in the summer by hoeing and exposing the
rhizomes to hot sunlight.
Pampas (Contaferia). This ornamental grass,
best grown in the south, produces beautiful
flower plumes which, if cut when fully
developed, are useful for decorative purposes
indoors during the winter. It is increased by
root division, and it grows well as a specimen
plant in the lawn.
Kentucky Blue grass (Poa), an excellent grass
for the North and the East. It needs a quick
germinating and quick growing grass such as
redtop, planted with it to provide a rapid
ground cover to help crowd out weeds during its
early development. After it gets a good start
the blue grass will crowd out the nurse grass.
St. Augustine (Stenotaphrum secundatum) also
thrives in the South, being particularly good
under trees or in other shady area where Bermuda
will not do well. It forms a thick mat and
smothers weeds.
Zoysia (Zoysia) in cultivated species form dense
turf and are very valuable for planting on sandy
soils, especially in the South. It is
propagated vegetatively by means of small pieces
of turf, called plugs. Zoysia will choke out
crab grass and weeds.