Why would a big patch of clover just pop up in my backyard?

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   Faith Reaperposted 8 years ago

   Why would a big patch of clover just pop up in my backyard?
   
   It has been raining non-stop for a couple of weeks, but the sun finally came out this day.  I noticed a big patch of clover taking over part of my backyard.  Do you think it popped up due to so much rain?  The grass is going dormant for the winter, but then the clover popped up.  Thanks for answering.
   
   

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2. 87

   bravewarriorposted 8 years ago

   Faith, I posed your question to my son, who treats lawns for a living (eco-friendly treatments, I might add). This is what he told me:
   
   1. Clover is a weed. The seeds are deposited by birds and the wind. However, all soils contain weed seeds; they either mature or they don't (like cancer - we are born with cancer cells. Whether or not they mature is a 52 toss).
   2.  Grass does not go dormant. It dies. Liken it to our hair. What you see is dead. The follicles produce oils that create hair (that dies once the strands come up for air). Same with grass. As long as the root structure is sound, the grass is not dormant. It continues to grow, but what comes forth from the soil dies if weather conditions are not conducive to the plant's photosynthesis process.
   
   He recommends watering your lawn even if it appears to be dead.
   
   From my own research and experience, weeds compete with grass for nutrients and usually win because their root systems are so strong. You can either treat the patches to kill them or welcome the greenery into your yard.
   
   Our landscape guru in Central Florida is Tom McCubbin. I've emailed him many times on oddities that pop up in my yard. His contention is that if it's green and pleasant to look at, leave it alone. Sometimes that's the only way you have a green lawn. Of course our climate is different from yours, but I'd imagine the same rule applies.

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      Faith Reaperposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, thanks so much, Sha!  I figured it is a weed.  Well, we have had too much rain and the grass is still green but starting to fade a bit, and then all of this popped up.  I have no problem with it, as it is green, but just wondered why so much.

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   2. 87

      bravewarriorposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Look for 4-leafed clovers. Luck of the Irish, they say...
      
      :-)

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   3. 83

      Faith Reaperposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I thought about doing just that.

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      Happyboomernurseposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Wow Shauna, What a comprehensive answer and very timely for me as I, too, just had a batch of clover pop up in my yard. Will just enjoy it!
      Hugs,
      Gail

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3. 59

   Sparkleaposted 8 years ago

   Wow, Faith, LOVE Shauna's response!  We have so many wonderful hubbers who come through to answer questions like yours.
   I personally think clover is quite beautiful.
   When I was in my early teens I was riding my bike and believe it or not spotted a four leaf clover just looking at the ground!!!  I brought it home and mounted it with tape on white cardboard.  It hung in my bedroom forever!  I have no idea whatever happened to it but I sure wish I had put it in a book.
   I DO think you should look to see if you find one.  I think they are spiritual myself. 
   Somehow I think the appearance of clover in your yard is a God-thing, but that is just me.  Maybe God is saying, 'Hey, surprise!'  I call these glad surprises from God. 
   I will send you an email soon.  Had foot surgery on October 23rd, long story, but it is a piece of cake compared to other surgeries!  Just slow healing because when I walk it hurts and does not give the area a chance to recover. 
   I am sure you are getting ready for Thanksgiving as we are also. 
   God bless dear friend, Sparklea....LOVE the picture of the clover!

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      Faith Reaperposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Dear Sparklea, you are always so enthusiastic in commenting/answering, and it is a joy when you are able to pop in!  Oh, I'm sorry about your foot surgery, sweet friend.  I pray for speedy recovery.  Hugs

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