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Gardening & Environment

The family of grasses, the Poaceae, is the fifth largest, with 12,000 species. Their physical stature varies enormously, from low growing bents on golf greens, to pretty ornamental grasses grown in gardens, to the bamboos and elephant grasses used to feed pandas and burn for energy.

Grasses are also crucial for life. They act as a larger carbon sink than the Amazon rainforest and are used to manage floodwaters, improve soil health and provide erosion control on slopes and roadside verges.

The blogs I write here demonstrate how gardeners and researchers are increasingly using grasses to create amazing gardens, as well as helping to save our planet.

Grass essential part of Nature’s rich tapestry

Grass essential part of Nature’s rich tapestry

The Grasslands Trust, founded in 2002 to reverse the decline of wildlife-rich grasslands in England, says that the small remaining areas of semi-natural grasslands are undervalued by society yet provide important public goods.

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Be smarter with water

Be smarter with water

Jim Paice MP, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food launched LEAF’s latest farm management tool yesterday in London.

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Grazing in central London!

Grazing in central London!

Imagine my excitement when I came across this cafe whilst walking the streets of the capital recently – just around the corner from the Tower of London!

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Is grass a greener biofuel?

Is grass a greener biofuel?

The three year Grassohol research project is nearing its end and we wait to hear if it is possible to run buses economically on fuel made from high sugar perennial ryegrasses.

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Mary’s diary a great read!

Mary’s diary a great read!

Mary Quicke’s Diary is always a satisfying read, as much as eating her award winning cheeses!
Monthly updates on what is happening in Devon, inform her customers about life on the farm in easy-to-understand, often evocative language.

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