Sir, - Patricia Gillen (April 29th) is right to be concerned about the ecological impact of urban gardens. The majority of open space in Dublin, and many other cities, is in the form of private gardens. Yet she is somewhat mistaken in believing the common lawn to be environmentally sound. The lawn is not a part of nature. It is an entirely man-made conceit, and requires continuous human maintenance to survive. Lawns do not provide habitats for birds and insects. Birds prefer dense clusters of shrubs and trees. Insects need flowers from which to feed. Nor will a lawn act as a lung for the city. On the contrary, carbon dioxide is produced and oxygen consumed by motor mowers, by the decomposition of grass clippings by micro-organisms and by the production and distribution of pesticides and fertilisers. Short grass produces very little oxygen in comparison with other forms of plants, certainly not enough to redress the balance. Chemical pesticides and fertilisers may have long-term adverse effects on flora, fauna and ultimately humanity. As for storm drainage, this can be provided by many other surface treatments, be they planted or gravelled.
There is a huge variety of garden types that will improve the quality of our urban environment. Semi-wild plantings of native species will attract wildlife, produce a surfeit of oxygen and require less maintenance than a lawn. They can also be quite beautiful to both sight and smell. The garden owners of Dublin and elsewhere should be encouraged to break the monotony and experiment, without having to worry that the presence of "weeds" will devalue their houses. - Yours, etc., Rory Carr
Knocklyon Heights, Dublin 16.