Could be a hungry patch of ground. Rosette plants often arrive when the grass cover is sparse.

You can rake over the existing grass with the sort of rake you would use for levelling tilled ground - not a leaf rake as it doesn't have enough weight to remove the thatching.

Next: decide what sort of grass you think you'd like there. Remember that those pristine weed-free stretches of turf take a LOT of time, money and effort to stay that way - not to mention equipment. If you love lawns, though, why not?

Lawns need good sunlight, though there are grass species that will grow in semi-shade, and your garden centre can probably provide you with a blend to suit.

First off - dig out, or flame, or solarise, or poison those broadleaf weeds. If some of them are daisies, you have an acidic soil and may need to apply lime a few weeks before adding any fertiliser.

You need to feed the area, and perhaps aerate. Lawns tend to have compacted soils below the sward.

Feed means applying a layer of either topsoil or compost, then levelling and gently firming it (use a traditional roller if you can hire one, board or even thick cardboard which you walk over to firm up the seed bed but not squash all the air out of the soil).

Lightly apply some general purpose fertiliser with a higher nitrogen level and rake it through the topsoil before you firm it. (Ask at the seed shop.) Use a couple of sticks to make fairly big 'squares' so you spread your fertiliser evenly. Drifts and bare patches don't work too well, and it can happen if you simply broadcast your fertiliser.

Even if rain is forecast, water the area once the seed is sown - and do whatever you have to to keep off the birds and cats.

This is probably a task for early autumn now.

Once your new grass is established and has real leaves, sturdy little darkish green ones, not spring green, then be sure your lawn mower blades are sharp and set to about 2.5cm/1". Lightly cut. This helps to dissuade grass from forming clumps or tufts. You want it to spread out, instead.

Cutting it to around 2.5cm helps to shade the roots, keep the soil moist, and discourage the arrival of weed species.

While the new grass is young - remove any broadleaf seedlings as soon as you notice them. Dandelions can be particularly pesky if not removed when young.