Bill Hill posted helpful details about transitioning kbg into fine fescue. He also stated the fine fescue varieties he planted. I don't know how those same ones perform in your area though.

I was hoping A.J. would answer this post because I know diddly about blending fine fescues. I *think* there has to be at least one of each Chewings, Hard, and Creeping Red, but hope he will chime in to correct me if I'm wrong. Here are NTEP ratings for your area. I suggest trying to select the darker varieties to best match the Magnificent 3 blend. Then, you can check this list for where to puchase them. There aren't many fine fescues listed among those retailers, but that doesn't mean they don't sell them, only that I didn't list them.

When it comes to blade width, I'm sure you'll find them finer than the bluegrasses, which I wouldn't suggest you worry too much about. It's just the way it is. Check here for leaf texture ratings, but don't confuse or try to compare the numbers to those of kbg. They don't reflect the same at all.

You want to stay in the fine - creeping, red etc - fescue family. In a box store, it will probably be labeled "Shade mix." The blades are going to be finer than your KBG no matter what you choose, so concentrate on color. You want something on the dark end of the spectrum to match your KBG.

The general technique is to overlap the areas. Plant KBG in the sun, fescue in the shade, and both in the transition area. Don't just end one type abruptly or else you will get a fairly obvious line in the turf.

Thanks guys. When I'm looking at the NETP data what number should I look for to match the mag 3?

psuproud,

Any or all of the fine fescues I mentioned in your August 8 post will do fine. When mixed with Kentucky bluegrass you won't notice much of a color difference versus pure Kentucky bluegrass. I'd avoid straight fine fescue unless you absolutely have to try and grow grass in dry, deep shade. At that point, I just go with shade plants and mulch. For shady ground covers, my wife and I have become partial to Lamium maculatum 'Orchid Frost', Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea' and various hosta and brunnera.

A.J.