The History of Sir Walter Buffalo

Sir Walter Buffalo grass is a very popular and easy-to-care-for type of grass known for its beautiful green colour and ability to grow well with little effort. People love using it for their homes and gardens. This article will explore how this grass became so popular, especially in Australia and the history of Sir Walter Buffalo.

How Sir Walter Buffalo Grass Started

The Discovery of Buffalo Grass

Originally, buffalo grass, which is scientifically named Buchloe dactyloides, was found in North America. In the early 1800s, European settlers first noticed it because of its toughness and how well it survived difficult conditions. 

It was used mostly for feeding animals at first, but people soon saw how good it was for many climates and soils. It became a favourite for not just farming but also for making places look nice because it was so sturdy and easy to take care of.

Creating Sir Walter Buffalo

In the early 1900s, a guy named Walter Waterhouse in Sydney, Australia, worked hard in his backyard trying to find a grass that could handle Australia’s tough weather but still look green and full. 

After lots of experimenting, he found a special kind of buffalo grass that was really strong and had a rich green colour. He named it “St. Augustine” and started selling it. 

Fast forward to 1996, a company called Lawn Solutions Australia bought the rights to this grass and renamed it “Sir Walter Buffalo” to honour Waterhouse.

Why People Love Sir Walter Buffalo Grass

Its Benefits

Sir Walter Buffalo grass quickly became popular because it doesn’t need much water or fertiliser, which is better for the environment. 

It’s tough, can handle a lot of walking on it, and can grow well in both sunny and shady areas. It looks nice too, with a deep green colour and soft feel.

Its Impact in Australia

Introducing Sir Walter Buffalo grass was a big deal for lawns in Australia, setting new standards for how good lawns should look and how tough they should be. 

More than 50 million square meters of this grass have been laid across the country, showing its huge popularity. It even led to other types of buffalo grass being developed, though none have matched Sir Walter’s success.

Sir Walter Buffalo Grass in Winter

Winter Dormancy

An interesting thing about Sir Walter Buffalo grass is that it goes dormant in winter, turning a golden brown and stopping its growth. This is normal and helps the grass save energy for spring. It might look dead during this time, but it’s actually just resting.

Taking Care of It in Winter

Even though it’s dormant, you still need to look after it in winter by cutting it shorter before the cold comes, watering it less, and making sure not to water right before a frost to avoid rot.

The Future of Sir Walter Buffalo Grass

Staying Popular

Sir Walter Buffalo grass is still a top choice because it’s low-maintenance, durable, and looks great. It continues to be preferred over newer grass types because of its quality.

Technology and Advances

The lawn care industry keeps getting better with new technology, like the AusGAP program that makes sure people are getting real Sir Walter grass. 

This led to the grass being called Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo and is only available through select growers who are registered and licenced with Lawn Solutions Australia.

New ways to plant and take care of grass make it easier for everyone to have a nice lawn.

Conclusion

From its discovery in a Sydney backyard to becoming Australia’s favourite lawn grass, Sir Walter Buffalo’s journey shows its ability to adapt and thrive. With ongoing improvements and research, this grass, along with others, will likely continue to be a big part of Australian gardens and landscapes, adapting to new challenges and needs.