It's a simple flat textured component with a PNG applied to both sides. The real trick is using Chris Fulmers repeat copy plugin. First make about 20 dense & random copies, then make that a component and spray it about.I found the textures over at flying architecture (great source) here:
plugin here:
http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?t=26117 ($8 dollars well spent)
The beauty of the plugin is it lets you scale and rotate randomly. Previously i had used a grid of these planes but always suffered from repeating patterns, moire ? I made the scale between 90-110%, the random effect is excellent.
This plugin is a real beauty, my dreams of creating high poly forested hills are getting closer when maxwell adds proxies.
If anyone has some meadow plant PNG textures with alpha please share !
I have attached the .skp file below. The trick when you make the larger component is to move the axis to the middle again so you can paint it easier.
Grass Object.skp