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)