[Camlink]

Hi there,
We have recently bought a house requiring renovation. The gardens both front and back are extremely overgrown and neglected with the grass lodging/falling flat on the ground. The front garden is about 20ft x 22ft and the back 80ft x 22ft. We will be extending in to the back garden by 13ft and rather than dumping the rubble our builder will grade it creating spam for a patio area and topsoil for spreading over the remaining garden. There are a few overgrown shrubs and lots of ivy and weeds and meadow.
Has anyone any advice on how to approach this? We can get rid of the shrubs and start from scratch with planting later in the year. Our main problem is how do we deal with the grass. It's too long for a lawnmower or a strimmer. The area is too big to attack with shears, besides which, we don't have the time. Our builder will be starting next week. Is it possible to hire a scythe in Dublin or would we be better to bite the bullet and stretch our already tight budget and get someone in to clear the garden?
Sorry for rambling on a bit, any suggestions would be gratefully received.
Many thanks,

[GPI]

Hello Camlink.
Long grass and a strimmer just don't go together as you suggested.
You will spend half the day unravelling the strimmer head of grass.
There are two machines however which are suitable.

1. The brushcutter. This is basically a strimmer with a metal cutting blade instead of cord.
Its great on tough grass, ivy and brambles.
It will, of course, sometimes get tangled like a stimmer.

2. The finger bar mower. You may have seen a larger version of this machine working on a farm.



The cross-cut blades make short work of long grass, thistles etc.
You just have to keep a watchful eye out for rocks which can damage the bar.

Using both of these machines in long grass, I suggest cutting from the middle of the site out wards.
This will allow hiding wildlife to escape.
Try and use these machines during a dry day as the grass will be much easier cut.

Now, I live on the west coast, so I don't know where you can rent these machines in Dublin.
I'm sure Bugs our east coast correspondant and resident weather man will be able to help you on that one.

Camlink.,maybe some other members will have some ideas to tame your jungle as well,

[Bugs]

Hi Camlink and welcome , the nearest place to you is Mr. Hire near Nutgrove . Phone them and ask about the finger bar mower . They have a delivery and collection service , 5 euro each way , excellant service . mafe sure the ground is clean of stones and wire etc. Hope this helps
Bugs

[Sb]

Heres the details for you.
Name: Mr Hire Ltd
Address: 102 Nutgrove Ave, Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin
Phone: (01) 4958877

[Camlink]

Thanks for your replies. I will organise my time and give Mr Hire a call. I remember the bigger finger bar for cutting hay in my youth, also from memory the teeth broke off /chipped quite easily so will need to take care. I'll let you know how I get on with taming the jungle.
Many thanks,

[GPI]

I thought you were from the country alright, with your "grass lodging".
Ye probably grew oats and barley like my father.
Good luck with the job.
Let us know how you got on, post a few pics etc.
We may be able to help you with the next stage.