A well-tended lawn is more than just a patch of green - it is a place of refuge and a source of pride. For many, a beautiful lawn is where memories are made and time slows down, transforming the garden into a vibrant space for family gatherings and moments of solitude.
The BDLife explores the journeys of three passionate gardeners - each with their own unique approach to creating a vibrant, thriving lawn.
First, we step into the world of Susan Ogeno, located at River Drive 58 on Thika Road. Her love for her lawn has become an integral part of her lifestyle.
Susan embodies this passion for her lawn, which is a labour of love and a reflection of her soul. With over 10 years of experience in landscapping, she has cultivated a beautiful lawn of Paspalum grass, chosen for its adaptability to the local climate. It cost around Sh100,000 to create, influenced by a stunning garden she visited in Kinshasa, DRC Congo.
"Tending my lawn is never hard work for me. It's where I meditate, reflect and find contentment," says Susan. She mows once a week, adjusting the height according to her maintenance needs. She relies on rainfall during the rainy season and irrigates during dry periods. Susan enriches the soil with goat manure and manually removes weeds to protect her flowers.
She has faced challenges such as grass diseases and patchiness, but she manages them effectively through proper watering and recommended treatments.
"My lawn looks completely different during the rainy season - so green and vibrant," she notes. Susan's routine has helped her avoid major pest problems and enhanced the beauty of her garden.
For her, the lawn is a lifestyle. "We rarely sit indoors. The lawn is relaxing for my children and grandchildren. It is where we entertain and play," she reflects.
Her top tip for a successful lawn?
"Water well and love your lawn - if you love it, it will love you back". Her favourite types of grass are Arabica, Paspalum and Pemba grass. She also has experience with Kikuyu, Zimbabwe, and Arabica.
Smooth, soft and deep green, Paspalum, also known as the velvet carpet grass, is the first choice for Kenyan gardeners who want a plush, ornamental lawn that looks effortlessly elegant.
Its fine blades form a cushioning layer underfoot, perfect for barefoot strolls or relaxed lounging in the garden.
With excellent salt tolerance and drought resistance, it's ideal for inland gardens as well as coastal retreats, offering beauty with minimal maintenance.
Gladys Kemboi's lawn
When Gladys Kemboi was planning to build her house, she knew exactly how she wanted it to look. Nothing less than a green, manicured lawn. Arabica grass came in handy and has since become the heart of her landscape, chosen for its exceptional beauty.
"I chose Arabica because it looks stunning - you can see for yourself," she says with pride.
Her lawn, in Eldoret has been part of her garden for four years and she is dedicated to keeping it lush and green. "What I love most is making sure it stays alive, whether it is the rainy season or the dry season. I do a lot of the watering myself," she says.
Before settling on Arabica, she first planted Kikuyu grass, but later uprooted it. "I didn't like the way it looked, so I replaced it with Arabica."
She follows a low-maintenance mowing routine, cutting her lawn once a month to keep it neat and tidy. Her watering schedule varies with the seasons. "In the dry season, I water it once a week with borehole water," she says.
Weeds are not a major problem because Arabica grass forms a dense cover that prevents growth. "Once Arabica is established, it leaves little room for weeds. I only pull them out occasionally," she explains.
For Gladys, the lawn is the crowning glory of her home.
"It is the lawn that gives the whole place its charm, not the house," she says. Visitors are naturally drawn to it. "Anyone who comes over immediately wants to relax outside," she adds with a smile.
Arti Doshi's lawn
Like Gladys, Arti Doshi's lawn is covered with Arabica grass. She chose it for its thick pile and soft texture.
"I love how soft it feels underfoot. It's thick and lush, so it's a pleasure to walk on," she says.
Arabica grass at Arti Doshi’s garden in Kitisuru, Nairobi on April 4, 2025.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
The cost of installing the lawn was included in a larger landscaping contract, making it part of her overall garden transformation.
Planted in 2022 in her garden in Kitisuru, Arti has been dedicated to its upkeep ever since. "I mow it every Thursday and this routine keeps it looking perfect," she says.
Before settling on Arabica, she tried Zimbabwe grass, but found it difficult to manage due to its spreading runners. "It grows well in shaded areas, but it has too many runners that spread across the lawn, making it difficult to control," she explains.
Watering is both efficient and environmentally friendly as Arti uses recycled water from a sewage treatment plant. "I water my lawn twice a week in the evening and once in the morning. The system allows me to maintain a green lawn while being mindful of water conservation," she says.
At the time of planting, she used organic products including absorber, compost, earthlee- a soil conditioner, and neem cake.
"These products have made maintenance incredibly easy. I hardly have to do anything and the grass stays healthy and lush," she says.
Pests have not been a problem and weeds are removed by hand to maintain the quality of the lawn. Initially, she was faced with patchy and uneven patches, but she contracted experts to solve the problem."Once the experts took over, everything was beautifully even," she says.
The lawn changes with the seasons, especially in the hot, dry months when it needs more water.
"Arabica needs a lot of water, so it is important to have an adequate supply," she advises. However, colder months are ideal as this variety thrives in cool temperatures.
To prepare for extreme weather, she relies on an absorber, which expands when watered and slowly releases moisture into the soil.
For Arti, her lawn plays a crucial role in the beauty of her garden. "I love how even it looks and the colour is so rich and pleasant. It adds so much to the overall look of my garden," she says.
While the lawn is admired primarily for its visual appeal, it is also used for children's play. "The children sometimes play on it, but mostly I just love to admire it," she says with a smile.
Another common grass that melt many garden lovers hearts is the Kikuyu grass. The evergreen warrior is tough, fast growing and proudly indigenous. It is Kenya's most popular lawn grass. Its vibrant green blades form a dense, springy carpet that thrives in sunshine and withstands heavy foot traffic.
Whether in public parks or private gardens, Kikuyu provides dependable year-round greenery and quick self-repair, making it the ultimate low-maintenance choice for active families and nature-loving homeowners alike.
Choosing the ideal grass for your lawn depends on key factors such as water availability, maintenance requirements, shade tolerance and soil conditions.
Expert advice
According to Leakey Wachira, landscape designer at Leakey Scapes, understanding these elements can make the difference between a thriving lawn and one that struggles.
"Water requirements vary greatly between different types of grass. Some require frequent watering, while others can withstand drought conditions with ease. Arabica grass, for example, requires constant moisture, making it unsuitable for areas with limited water. Pemba grass, on the other hand, is very drought resistant, tolerates hot weather and thrives with minimal watering," says Leakey, who has over a decade of experience in landscaping.
He says weed control is an important consideration when choosing a grass. Kikuyu and Arabica grass are prone to stubborn weeds such as oxalis and require constant weeding to maintain a tidy lawn.
Pemba, on the other hand, naturally suppresses weeds by outcompeting them, making it a low-maintenance option for homeowners who prefer a hassle-free lawn.
Stanley Maina watering Arabica Grass at Arti Doshi’s garden in Kitisuru, Nairobi on April 4, 2025.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
If your lawn is shaded by trees, the choice of grass becomes crucial. Arabic and Bermuda grass require full sun and struggle in shady areas.
On the other hand, Pemba and Richmond grasses thrive under tree cover, making them ideal choices for gardens with plenty of shade.
Different grasses grow best in different soil types. Kikuyu grass grows well on sandy soils, but needs sufficient water to thrive. Pemba grass is well suited to coastal areas due to its high tolerance to salt stress. Arabic grass thrives in wet, open areas, while Paspalum grass is an excellent choice for dry conditions.
"Kikuyu grass can be disappointing in hot, dry climates because it dies back quickly," warns Leakey.
A common mistake homeowners make is to neglect topdressing, which should be done at least three times a year. This process - mixing compost with black river sand - improves aeration, strengthens roots and promotes healthy stem growth. Many homeowners avoid it because of the cost, but skipping topdressing results in weak, patchy lawns.
Many people water their lawns either too much or too little, not realising that different grasses have different hydration needs. The best time to water is after 6pm, allowing moisture to be absorbed overnight rather than evaporating in the daytime sun.
"Watering during the day is a waste - most of it evaporates before the roots can absorb it," Leakey points out.
Lawn aeration is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lawn. Homeowners should aerate their lawns every six months by making small two-inch holes in the soil. This improves air circulation and allows nutrients to penetrate deep into the roots.
"Aeration is like a breath of fresh air for your lawn - it makes all the difference to its health and appearance," says Leakey.
Mowing at the right height helps control weeds and reduces water loss. The optimum height is around one inch - high enough to stay healthy, but short enough to prevent weeds from taking over.
"If you can pinch your lawn, it's too tall - it should be just short enough that you can't grab it," explains Leakey. Cutting the grass too short weakens it, while allowing it to grow too tall makes it difficult to manage.
A balanced watering is essential for a lush lawn. Overwatering results in a soft, slippery lawn with yellow patches, while underwatering causes the grass to turn brown, dry out and attract pests such as termites.
"Lawn care is all about balance - too much or too little water and you'll quickly see the effects," warns Leakey.
By choosing the right grass for your climate and soil, and following basic maintenance techniques, you can enjoy a lush, green lawn with minimal effort.
"A great lawn isn't just about planting grass - it's about understanding how to look after it. If you do, the results will speak for themselves," concludes Leakey.
