So, making the green decision to buy a powerless reel mower has been one that has caused some extra work and frustration. Yes, it cuts grass cleanly. But you have to go over every inch of your lawn twice. And if you happen to skip a week or two and the grass gets high? Well, it gets particularly ineffectual, actually just knocking the grass over, rather than cutting it.
To make matters worse, a reel mower is incapable of cutting dandelions. So, while everyone else in the neighborhood sets the blades on their mowers so low they leave burns in the dirt, and nip dandelions in the bud, so to speak; we had a couple of occasions about three years ago, where we knocked over dandelions in full seed and basically succeeded in spreading them throughout our lawn. That was a stupid act for which we are still paying consequences. Last year, we spent many hours working on our knees, trying to make a dent in the dandelion population, which takes over our lawn to an embarassing extent every spring.
I am definitely in the "less lawn" camp. If you get me going, I'll try to explain how it is ludicrous how Americans are so in love with large swaths of lawn, paying an unkowing tribute to our British roots, while ignoring the fact that 95% of the US does not have the natural climate to support it. Over time, I'd love to have a lawn that we turn into a mixture of native plantings, walkways, and wildlife corridor.
That said, the dandelion explosion in our yard is embarrassing.
So, the Grand Experiment? Corn Gluten pre-emergent weed and feed, which we spread on last week. It won't get rid of the existing dandelions, but will keep new ones from spreading as we continue to slowly eradicate the existing ones. Giving Green one last try, there. Results of the Grand Experiment to follow in weeks to come.
On a side note: the product was developed by researchers at Iowa State.
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8 comments:
Where can you buy that?
Ah, the regal appearance of our front lawns. I remember reading about how the lawn is a holdover from the images of the British estate. I think it was mentioned in the coffee-table book "The Not So Big House".
It's good to hear from someone who's gone the non-powered mower route. I've been talking about getting one as soon as we have a lawn, but now I'm thinking I want to move into a place that does not have a lawn.
Of course, if I ever need to get a power mower, it'll be a Snapper, based on the information in "The Wal-Mart Effect".
I'll have to ask Sharon where she got the stuff-we get most of our supplies at a local place called "Robbinsdale Farm & Garden," but it's possible they had it at the coop. I'll try to remember to ask.
Stephen: Absolutely on the whole lawn thing. Lawns in Ireland & England: lush & beautiful. Lawns in America: eyesores of crepulence.
That said, there's a corner of my psyche that still has fond memories of running around & playing sports & other games in "the yard," growing up. Of course, that's why I'm for parks & open space. And safe, green corridors and paths to get there.
Even in England, lawns were for the wealthy, had by people who had money, and ultimately servants. The English landscape otherwise was a very 'organic' and naturalistic one. It was the French that were crazy with ordered rows of everything.
That said, nothing but giant swaths of grass are for dicks.
Funny, however that Dan's chosen ideal for a landscape matches almost exactly that of a certain garden-centric family we know, and upon whom Dan heaped derision for just that reason. Ahh, how we grow, pardon the pun.
Good point. I would only say that the particular family in question was deserving of a limitless amount of derision for subjects to numerous to recount.
There's nothing wrong with going to France, either. The issues was always really more about being a goofball.
btw, Sharon just got the organic weed & feed at a regular ol' garden store, called Malmborg's, here in the cities.
Much derision was deseved, but oh the irony.
Malmborg - weeds will be assimilated.
Hopefully not! Though it would be better than the alternative-having an enormous scoop taken out of the front of my yard.
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