It is said that our most powerful memories of childhood are triggered not by visual stimuli such as viewing old family photos but by the power of smell.
Like many people, I am transported back to the carefree days of the old country by such things as the whiff of baking biscuits or the smell of a delicate rose.
But nothing is so redolent of childhood than the smell of grass being mowed. My mind’s eye can see my long-departed father traversing the hallowed turf of his prized lawn with that motor mower, it’s a sound that takes me back. But the smell of freshly mown grass is the real trigger.
How we used to love that garden and the lawn where we played so many games. But was it really like that, what was the reality of keeping up with the “Joneses” next door and their even better lawn?
The reality was that it was backbreaking work for my father. Not just the mowing but the constant removal of dandelions, clover and weed. The regular and expensive application of pesticides and weed killers.
It looked lovely in the summer until there was a drought in 1976 and a hose pipe ban. Then it was brown. It looked lovely in the autumn until the rains and snow turned it into a muddy heap.
Then there was the need to replace it. Re-turfing must have been expensive with the need for landscapers and outside contractors.
That’s why I came to my senses not only emigrating to Australia many years ago but adapting all sorts of things I had grown up with. Yes, I have Vegemite on my toast not Marmite these days and prefer it!
I also love to smell the roses in the garden but the cut grass? No – these days I’m a convert not just to the Aussie way of life but to artificial lawn installation.
I first discovered artificial grass when living in a suburban unit that had a rather large balcony. I’d mistakenly carpeted the place – again harking back to old country cosiness – that was a booboo in the heat Down Under.
But outside I installed the fake grass and added some garden furniture and an umbrella and was rather pleased with myself. It remained looking good despite the blazing sun on it. Better than the interior the wife – also new to Oz – was impressed!
These days we’re in a house with a garden. There was no way I was mowing or cleaning the mud off the young nipper’s trainers.
Artificial lawns involve some initial expense but they not only last for ages but look better than real grass and also involve virtually zero maintenance. They come in many realistic styles.
Come rain or shine properly installed artificial grass surfaces look great and can even be used for things like basketball courts or putting greens.
The old memories come flooding back when my neighbour does the mowing.
Good luck with that, mate!
