I can't see how I can change the lawn area to help. In theory, a slower growing type of grass or one that stayed short forever (if there is such a thing) would help since less frequent cuts would mean flowers survive longer and you could manually address areas that you felt needed to be dealt with to stop things getting out of control.brimstoneSalad wrote: ↑Thu Apr 20, 2017 1:40 am
Based on what you said before, it doesn't sound like you have very much of a choice.
Is there any leeway in what you can do with the lawn?
Can you plant another kind of grass which needs less input?
Can you plant a small (and attractive) garden?
It's not your house, but if you show your landlord a plan, he or she may agree to it.
One thing I did think of was instead of using a regular lawn mower to get some kind of machine that cuts at a higher level, above the level of flowers. This would allow flowers to grow, thicker grass and a richer habitat, more insects, bees probably. Ie a blade that instead of cutting perhaps 1-5cm off the ground which is what a regular lawnmower does is cutting at 20-30cm off the ground. I'm not sure how common such a machine is, and the machine would likely need to be quite a big tougher, but in theory it works. Although ultimately it is a compromise. IF cutting the lawn is immoral, then this would likely also be immoral, just less so.
Another thing I thought of was to allow a complete wilderness for the back part of the garden, and just cut the grass in an area nearer the house and on the way from the entrance gate to the house. If I was owner, and assuming the other people living with me agreed, this is something I might consider. Again, just another comprimise.
All of which is just a philosophical discussion for now at least. I don't feel strongly enough about this issue to spend a lot of time or money on it, or try and convince the house owner of my wife of any needed changes.