2. Corticium disease or red thread (Corticium fusiforme). This is most usually troublesome in late summer-autumn but can be encountered at any time of the year. It shows as pinkish patches of grass, the colour being due to pink, horn-like, branching fungus growths growing among the grass blades, often binding them together. They may later turn white and dry out, then being easily scattered by the mower to spread the disease. The grass is weakened by these attacks but rarely killed. Red thread usually occurs where turf is poor, under-nourished and needing aeration. Control is as for fusarium patch plus spring-summer feeding with sulphate of ammonia and attention to aeration and removal of thatch. 3. Fairy rings. These are caused by fungi which live in the soil in the form of densely matted threads among the grass roots; in summer and autumn they produce circles of whitish toadstools or puff-balls; for the remainder of the year they show as irregular circles of lush, dark green grass. Marasmius oreades is the most troublesome species, showing as a strip of brown dead turf or bare soil between two rings of lush grass, the central dead strip having been killed by the dense mat of fungal threads through which moisture cannot penetrate to reach the grass roots. Single rings, and multiple rings at a very early stage, may be controlled by thoroughly watering then applying iron sulphate solution (lib in 1 gal of water [450g in 6.75I of water]) at Jgal per square yard (2.5I per m2). Once established, Marasmius oreades is very difficult to eradicate and specialist advice should be sought. BASIC LAWN-CARE PROGRAMME January Remove dead leaves; check and improve drainage if necessary; over-haul mower and other lawn tools. February Check for worm activity or unhealthy turf; complete all turfing; moss-kill if necessary at end of month. March Scatter worm casts, remove debris, roll if lifted by frost, then lightly mow. April Increase frequency of mowing; feed early to mid-month, then weed-kill; re-seed sparse patches; check newly-turfed areas and top-dress if necessary. May Adjust mower to summer cutting height; weed-kill again; apply nitrogenous fertiliser mid-late May. June Mow frequently; spike local areas of compaction; weed-kill or irrigate as needed. July Mow regularly; feed lightly early in the month. August In mid-late August give final summer feed, if needed, followed by final weed-kill for year. September Modify cutting height towards end of month; scarify to remove thatch; aerate; top-dress; apply moss-killer where necessary; sow grass seeds. October Set mower to winter height, brushing to remove dew, and dry out turf before mowing; aerate and top-dress if unable to do so in September; remove leaves regularly; if worms troublesome apply worm-killer; begin turfing work. November A final mow may be needed, but do not mow in frosty conditions; continue leaf removal and turfing. December If very acid apply lime this month.