Get Off My Lawn! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Paddock

According to the Collins Dictionary, "lawn" is defined as:
a) an area of cultivated and mown grass; or
b) a fine linen or cotton fabric.
'Turf' is defined as a layer of thick even grass with roots and soil attached.
A paddock is a small, enclosed field, not necessarily containing grass.

Answer: Edwin Budding

Edwin Budding was an engineer from England who patented the first lawnmower. The patent for a 'machine for mowing lawns, etc' was granted on 31st August 1830.
Budding went into partnership with John Ferrabee to produce and distribute his lawnmowers.
Elwood McGuire designed a human pushed lawn mower in 1870, this was a success as it was so light and easy to use. Mervyn Richardson invented the first 'Victa' rotary motor lawnmower in the 1950s.

Answer: Lack of water

In countries like Australia, a lack of water can seriously hamper attempts to create a nice, green, healthy lawn. Lawn needs a lot of water to survive and in many places in Australia there is so little water that people are restricted as to how much they can use and when they can use it.

In some cities in Australia the water restrictions are so tight, people are only allowed to water their lawns by hand (not using sprinklers) or are not allowed to water them at all.

Answer: To be able to use sprinklers for the kids to run under on a hot day

If you are thinking of planting a lawn in order to let your kids run under the sprinklers on a hot day, maybe you should think again. Maybe a small paddling pool would be a better idea, or you could take the kids to the local pool for a few hours? Sprinklers waste huge amounts of water and if you leave the kids outside under the sprinklers for a couple of hours (because kids love running under the sprinklers for hours!) the excess water won't be of any benefit to the lawn.

It won't absorb it, the lawn will become soggy and a breeding ground for bacteria, fungus, etc. You'll also probably end up with bits of grass all through your house when the kids come inside.

Answer: To give more room for weeds to grow

Aerating lawn allows water and oxygen to more effectively reach the root system. Roots need oxygen to grow and to help them absorb water and nutrients. It also allows fertilisers and pesticides to have more effect as they can be absorbed much quicker into the roots without having to leach through upper layers. Relieving compaction of the soil also helps in giving the roots 'room to breathe' and somewhere to grow into.

Answer: Excess run-off into water systems

Too much fertiliser is not a good thing. The excess isn't absorbed by the lawn but filters through the ground or runs off to storm water drains or river catchment systems. Excess fertilisers in water systems can create many issues with the growth of bacteria and algae, affecting marine life.

Answer: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium

Nitrogen encourages leaf growth and colour, phosphorus helps with strong root growth, and potassium (or pot ash) helps the lawn cope with lack of water and disease resistance. A good balanced NPK fertiliser will have roughly the following ratio: 11 nitrogen, 4 phosphorus and 8 potassium. This will encourage growth both above and below-ground and result in a stronger, healthier lawn.

Answer: True

Mushrooms can grow in your lawn if the conditions are right. They are the fruit of fungi present in the soil around and below the lawn. The mushrooms generally don't harm the lawn but it is not advisable to let any animals or humans (especially children) eat them.

Answer: Black Lawn Beetle

The Black Lawn Beetle is otherwise known as the African Lawn Beetle and is also a pest for vegetables and grasses. They are about 12mm long, shiny, and oval in shape. They emerge from pupae in mid summer and, as the weather cools, they become dormant. They damage lawns by eating the grass and roots.

Answer: Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is the young grass of a wheat plant. Its general consumption in the Western world began in the 1930s and it is now available in juice bars, supermarkets and health food stores. It comes fresh, frozen and in powdered and tablet form. Wheatgrass does contain many nutrients required by the human body but there is limited scientific evidence to support the many claims of wellness by its proponents.