Things baffling a newbie

Hello gardeners,

I've just inherited a garden, but have little experience in running it. I can manage simple maintenance, but I've encoutered two things specifically which got me completely baffled.

First, this ugly thing - a white-ish, sick-like, patch on the lawn:



What could it be? Should I clear it?


Second, these white patches on the stonework:



Looks like something that needs to be treated somehow, but I am clueless what to do.


Many thanks,
Ivan

 

Good evening Ivan,
that looks a bit weird - that white stuff on the lawn. Haven't a clue but someone else will have,
to Gardeners Corner,
Jenny namaste

 

Welcome to Gardeners Corner Ivan. We were discussing something similar to this a few months ago. I'll go and see if I can find the thread.

Edit: I've found the thread, take a look at the links and you'll see something very like the fungus you have.

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/fatsia-japonica-being-eaten-with-white-slime-on-it.63299/

 

Thanks very much for your reply and the effort to find this thread. I've read through - although I don't think this is the same, some of links in follow-up posts are quite informative. It does seem like insect spawning / eggs. Icky, but I am now more inclined to remove it before the neighbourhood is overrun by unknown insects.

I'll keep looking and of course would welcome any further help on both my queries.

 

Welcome to the forum hope you find what that is & get rid of it!

 

Hello Ivan The first photo looks like a very exaggerated case of fungal disease or possibly slime mould. Either way, a dose of fungicide should get rid of it. If the weather where you are has been mild and damp it encourages all sorts of fungi.
The second photo is probably of Lichen. That appears on stone, brick, concrete, tree branches etc when the air is clean. It doesn't do any harm but can be pressure-washed off hard surfaces if it bothers you

 

A quick update regarding the first photo. I've found a few further (smaller) patches in this area of the garden. Over a period of several days, the colour of the substance darkens and the thing turns almost entirely black. Coinciding with this darkening, we had a wave of tiny flies - the ones that form mini 'clouds' and follow you around close to rivers / ponds. They are not much more than a nuisance, but after carefully following the situation I am convinced the two are related.

In any event, after the second wave of flies, I've gone through the garden and cleared all patches, white or black. Flies are almost entirely gone now.

Thanks to all who pointed out the second photo is lichen and noisette47 who suggested a way to clear this. I understand they are not harmful, but it's not exactly aesthetically pleasing so I think I'll clear them out at some point.

Many thanks for all replies and warm welcome!

Thanks,
Ivan