I gave my lawn the perfect Euros transformation – people say it looks crazy but everyone stops to take photos of it
A GREEN-fingered England fan is rooting for Jude Bellingham – by transforming his garden into the star’s number 10 shirt.
Bryn Nicholls, 66, created the 20ft (6m) patriotic lawn mural at his home in Stourbridge, West Mids., where the England star was born and raised.
Retired postie Bryn spent hours painstakingly painting the grass in his front garden red, white and blue to create the England shirt.
He said: “It took me a while to emulsion the grass but it was worth the effort.
“Jude Bellingham was brought up around here so he’s a local lad. We’re all very proud of him and hope he can help England win the Euros.”
According to the football fanatic people love take pictures of the lawn when they spot it too.
“They always do,” he said.
As for for game, Bryn’s confident England can go all the way.
“I definitely think England can beat the Netherlands and then go and take on the Spanish on Sunday.
“We’re a strong team with great players like Bellingham.
“Everyone is rooting for them.”
Bryn, who has three grown-up children and two grandchildren, decorates his lawn for most national events.
In 2022 he transformed the patch of grass into a giant Union Jack flag with a crown in the centre to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
In 2012 he painted the Olympic rings to celebrate the Games being hosted in the UK.
Seasonal lawn care schedule
Lawn care varies from season to season, with some tasks helping to encourage growth and root development whilst others help maintain the soil quality.
Claire Baglin, landscaping category manager from Toolstation has shared lawn care tasks and tips for each season:
Spring (March, April, May)
- Start to mow the grass bi-weekly in March when the soil and air temperatures typically reach above 6C.
- Fertilise the lawn for the first time during March using some quick-release fertiliser that is rich in nitrogen to help promote shoot growth.
- Scarify the lawn for the first time during April to remove any built-up moss or thatch that can accumulate throughout the winter.
- Aerate the lawn during April by spiking holes into the soil surface. This will help to loosen the soil and encourage growth.
- Overseeding can also be carried out throughout April to patch up any thin or bare areas of grass.
Summer (June, July, August)
- From June start to cut your grass once a week – apart from in periods of extreme heat and droughts. Increase the cutting height to protect the lawn from any possible droughts.
- In June make sure to treat the lawn for any weeds – this can either be manual removal for individual weeds or using weed killer for larger clusters.
- During July and August make sure to water the lawn at least once a week by giving it a soak for 5-10 minutes.
Autumn (September, October, November)
- From September reduce the lawn mowing frequency back to once every two weeks and conduct the last mow of the year in November.
- Fertilise the lawn for a second time during October using a slow-release fertiliser that is rich in phosphorous and potassium to strengthen the lawn.
- Throughout October and November remove any fallen leaves and other debris from the lawn surface.
Winter (December, January, February)
- From December to the end of February leave the lawn alone. Grass typically does not grow in the colder winter temperatures.
- Winter is the perfect time of the year to conduct any lawnmower maintenance including checking over the blades and filters.