Maryland County Bans Cosmetic Lawn Pesticides

"...Based on legislation passed today by a 6-3 vote. The ban, an historic
public health measure, will protect one million people in a county outside
Washington DC..."
"The Montgomery County Parks Department has fought against the bill, suggesting that fields cannot be managed with organic practices. Extensive testimony on alternatives has educated council members on the viability of organic practices."
"While the chemical lawn care industry strenuously opposed the bill, in testimony before the Council an industry spokesman said he could implement organic programs for his customers."

Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog

Pulling Weeds

Pulling weeds is a lost art, fine one too, and sweaty. That thing called sweat makes athletes lots of money, benefits many, and sustains most. It is a Biblical concept really, although we live in a "progressive" world. People tend to avoid sweat. It costs about the same to pay someone for the hours to pull weeds and reduce the surface population, as it does to spray who-knows-what on the lawn and expect new and old varieties next year. I suppose there is a place for blanket alternatives. Either way we can't seem to avoid working. Nurturing the grass is helpful too.

Driving

I don't like driving much. As a passenger it is fine. I drove a big truck for a few years, off and on. It would be okay except I can't figure out people. In kindergarten, I would observe kids pushing and shoving in line. Even then I wondered at the senslessness. The same ones in a hurry to get where they would not go sooner than later, are sent to the back of the line, like it never happened ever before, again and again. I see it on the road everyday, like so many people missed that class only not, and were sent ahead. I feel the same way, go around. I'm going over the speed limit, nearly every time, except perhaps from a start and you know which ones are ready to drive over the top, or in a parking lot. There is a difference between "fast lane" and "through way" and "15 mph over the speed limit or get out of my way". The same thing everyone knows or should have learned in drivers school, if not for safety out of respect, is to not tailgate. Everyone knows it. Some or most are oblivious, but others just make it very clear that the guy in front is wrong, and the next, and the next... They will line up, passing one by one, in back of another micro-seconds ahead, somehow in denial, blaming it on everyone else and the boss. I like riding bicycles. Share the road.

Benevolent Dandelions

"Dandelions are rich in vitamins A, C, B6, riboflavin, thiamine, calcium, copper, manganese, and iron. They're also packed with protein, choline, inulin, and pectin."

"Pick young, tender leaves in the spring before the flower stalk appears. Be sure to include the underground leaf crowns or 'rosettes.' The developing yellow flower buds can also be dug up before they sprout (you'll find them nestled in the white crowns)." MaryJane's Outpost; Unleashing Your Inner Wild by MaryJane Butters, 2008.

Note: Contrary to recent innuendos and demeaning propaganda, it is not beneficial or even safe, rather quite unappealing if in fact dangerously lethal to eat dandelions sprayed with Roundup. 

2015 Fort Collins Lawn and Garden Equipment Rebate Program

Fort Collins is offering rebates on electric and battery-powered equipment, or using a sustainable lawn care service in an effort to keep the air clean. I think this is reasonable considering, while banning cigarette smoke inside public business is the law, breathing clean air outdoors is important too. Heck, regardless of global warming, clean air is a good thing! You can find out more information and to get involved go to www.fcgov.com/lawnmower.

Geneticaly Modified Human Nature

The recent debate about GMOs reveals the evolution of tweaking information and how subtly attitudes are changed. Instead of asking, "Do you prefer natural foods to man-made science experiments?" They infer that, "It is safe!" Questioning the control and authority of man then becomes futile and for certain ridicule. I don't doubt that genetics can work toward humane benefit, only strange it should be obligatory (so customary or routine as to be expected of everyone or on every occasion). Changing the meaning of propaganda is not only politically correct but also in vogue.

Soil Testing

"Residents who plant without preparing the soil often
end up with persistent lawn problems or landscape
plants that simply do not thrive. Applying fertilizer to the
soil surface after planting will not solve the problem."

"In order to have a healthy, attractive landscape,
take time to prepare the soil before you plant.
Prepare the soil wherever you plan on installing lawn or
landscape plants such as flowers, grasses, shrubs and
trees. Don’t skip this step. There is not an easy way to
go back and fix the soil once plants are installed. If you
are working with a landscape contractor, make sure soil
preparation is part of the installation plan. The first step
is to get a soil test."

Colorado State University Best Practices, Soil Preparation (.pdf)