As the first signs of spring emerge and the days get longer, the buzz around gardening inevitably picks up. For many of us, that means one thing: the lawn. And while the grass might seem like the simplest part of our gardens, it’s actually the one that demands the most attention—especially as we hit May. Gardening expert Peter Dowdall has seen it all, from lawns that are barely hanging on to those that could rival the finest golf courses. As the weather warms up and we dig into another gardening season, he has one piece of advice that might surprise even the most seasoned of green thumbs: the key to a healthy lawn is all about scarifying. Now, scarifying might sound like something out of a gardening manual for pros, but it’s a technique that’s surprisingly simple and incredibly effective. Peter explains: "Scarifying a lawn is simply the process of removing dead thatch with a mechanical or hand held rake (the brown material found beneath the green grass blades), by pulling up the top inch of soil." "A small amount of thatch is a good thing in lawns, but in large quantities it can inhibit growth of new grass, prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots, and encourage moss to form. So it’s important to scarify your lawn once a year to help alleviate this." While a little bit of thatch is harmless, too much of it can really do a number on your lawn, making it harder for your grass to grow. “It’s something you should do once a year,” Peter explains, “and now is the perfect time to get it done. It’ll make all the difference.” But it’s not all elbow grease and manual labour. For those of us who would rather not spend our weekends hunched over a rake, the secret weapon in many Irish gardens is a robot lawnmower. According to Peter, these clever machines are revolutionising lawn care, offering a hassle-free way to keep your grass pristine without lifting a finger. “It’s amazing how many gardens I see where the lawn is in perfect condition, and it’s all thanks to a robot mower,” he says. “The beauty of it is that if it’s doing the mowing regularly, the grass never has the chance to get out of control.” While investing in a robot lawnmower may feel like a splurge at first, Peter assures us that the long-term benefits are well worth the investment. After all, we’ve all been there—waiting for a sunny weekend to finally mow, only to find ourselves rushing through it when the weather doesn’t cooperate. “For some people, it’s about the convenience of not having to worry about the lawn at all,” he explains. “For others, it’s about saving time and having more freedom to enjoy the garden, rather than work in it.” So, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or someone who simply wants a more hands-off approach to lawn maintenance, scarifying and investing in a robot lawnmower are the two golden rules to live by this season. Find more tips and inspiration and purchase an array of plants and garden accessories on theirishgardener.com