Hi, sorry my first post is just a question, but I guess that's what this forum is for....
Anyway, I have 1.6 acres of dirt on the Copper Coast of South Australia in wheat country. We are at the cusp of a long renovation of century old neglected farmhouse and land. The house I have mega experience in, so that's not an issue.
Where I need help is the land. There are lots of native trees around the boundary and some radiata pines thrown in for good measure. There is a large section in the middle of the block right outside our pergola area of about 1000 to 1500 m2 where I would love to have some (lots...) grass, so I can have my own sort of mini football field for my 3 boys to get active and become the next Adelaide Crows stars.
The soil is good farming soil that has not been used for 100 years apart from nourishing weeds. It is clear and level.
I have access to lots and lots of cow manure (if that's any help), lots of hay bales, and that's about it.
I would like peoples advice on what sort of lawn to plant that thrives on neglect once established. It has to put up with the rigours of active boys, hot summers, mild winters (no frost), and low rainfall. I can do whatever is suggested in the prep of the soil to give everything the best chance it needs, but as for watering a lawn of this size, it's pretty much up to the elements. Seed, thatch, spray on, but laying roll out turf of this size might blow the budget.
Help...........