The answer is grass!
Even on holiday on a canal boat last week I couldn’t stop finding reminders of the different and ingenious ways we use grass in our everyday lives.
Bath Rugby Club pitch
After negotiating the six locks at the end of the Kennet and Avon canal we moored next to Bath Rugby club – right next to the gate by the grass pitch.
Established in 1865 Bath Rugby is one of the oldest clubs in the world. International stars like Jeremy Guscott, Mike Catt and Mike Tindall have all played here.
The ‘Rec’ is one of the most idyllic rugby grounds, nestling beside the River Avon just by the famous weir, and in the shadow of Bath Abbey.
Beazer grass maze
Just along from the gates of the Rec is the Beazer Maze – a quaint little area of grass and stone paths leading to a Gorgon’s head mosaic in the centre.
Designer Adrian Fisher says it is both a unicursal labyrinth and a multi-cursal puzzle maze. As it is flat it invites children to invent and play games on it.
Up the steps to the Pulteney Bridge and there is another ‘Grasse’ reminder. (OK a bit tenuous this one.)
Grasse shop in Bath
Grasse is one of many very smart shops in Bath selling distinctive and unique products for garden and home. It is named after a town in the south west corner of France – considered to be the perfume capital of the world.
Back on the canal…
While most narrow boats use their roof space for storing logs and bicycles or growing veg – the owners of this one have seeded it with grass – a beautiful mobile lawn on which to while away the lazy days of spring and summer!
Grass roof on canal boat