I am not going to win what certainly feels like a competition in my neighborhood. Let me just put that out there. I have all the right tools, I think, (riding lawn mower, rakes, and a long handled weeder) and I might even have the necessary knowledge...but what is clearly missing is the desire! I just don't care if most of the lawn is made up of clover and crab grass and if there is the occasional patch of dandelions. I don't cut on the diagonal because it is just easier to cut straight up and down. Weeding sucks. It just does. Who really enjoys weeding? Edging? Really, why? I just don't see the need.
The problem is my house is in a nice neighborhood. One neighbor has the means to hire a lawn service that comes very regularly, another neighbor is a superintendent at a golf course (I'm not kidding) and the rest are retired and clearly all have OCD. On a Saturday morning, very early, I can hear the roar of the riding lawn mowers all around me and while I think that is supposed to get me motivated to go out and start mine, it really doesn't. Instead I'm thinking of grabbing the fishing poles or the kites and taking the kids to the park.
What do I win if I spend more time on my lawn? Is there a prize for the best looking lawn?
I like to think I keep the lawn like it is because the kids enjoy finding 4 leaf clovers and there is a patch of them right outside the back door. Don't you remember making dandelion necklaces as a kid? And when the flowers go to seed and you could blow it and make a wish... sending zillions of seeds around to make even more dandelins for next year. The French grow dandelions to eat, just as we grow lettuce in our gardens. They are a good source of calcium, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. This year I may even learn how to make dandelion wine! Dandelions are cool!
The other great reason I refuse to obsess about my lawn is that if it is a hot summer, my lawn stays green while all the others on the street turn brown. Yes, I know it is because there are more weeds then grass in my yard, but if you stand back and squint, it's really hard to tell that from the road. Isn't it?
I can squint! I was thinking about posting on facebook a "will trade" offer for services. Someone to do my yardwork and I will do their laundry. Not sure if it's a good deal or not!
ReplyDeleteClover and "weeds" are way better than chemically treated lawns that poison the earth.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing a field full of dandelions. So bright and fun to play with too.
Spending time with family is way more important that keeping up with the Jones'.
Just think to yourself "I'm saving the earth one clover field at a time all while keeping my kids well-adjusted." :)
Love,
Sarah
We like dandelions too! and my aunt makes dandelion wine.
ReplyDeletePlease do not get me started in the people who feel the need to either sweep on hose down the driveway for the grass clippings that might have gotten on their after mowing there lawn!! That falls into the GAL (get a life) category in my book!!!
ReplyDelete