Blow Them Sprinklers

Working as a sprinkler technician this year told me something. When trees go dormant, that's also good time to shut the irrigation off and blow out sprinklers. Waiting until after a freeze is not wise either, so watch the weather carefully. Of course, this year is exceptionally warm in Colorado and people seem to be waiting longer than normal. The trees have decided to rest, and most other things, though people are still rushing around. The anticipation of winter has subsided some, almost like it isn't going to come. We somehow know that can't be true. Act natural.

Bees, Bugs, and Blood

The relationship between Bees and Weeds may not be what you think. Roundup is a glyphosate, which is a herbicide, for weeds. "Glyphosate is not a neonicotinoid. Neonicotinoids are pesticides/insecticides that are used to treat crops against certain insects such as pollen beetles."
(1)

Roundup causes my nose to bleed. "Last year, 17 of the world's top cancer researchers unanimously voted to elevate the cancer profile of glyphosate on behalf of the World Health Organization. The WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) now classifies the weed-killer as 'probably carcinogenic to humans' after the panel of experts reviewed all of the publicly available research. Following up on the action by the WHO, the state of California is currently in the process of listing glyphosate as a known human carcinogen under its Prop 65 law." (2)

Roundup products were not widely used on crops until Monsanto began selling genetically modified seeds that resist the herbicide, not much more than a decade ago. Nearly all corn in the U.S. and most soybeans and cotton have been genetically modified. It is not a matter of helping poor nations increase food production, but the main use is to increase profit. High fructose corn syrup is not sold in the health and wellness department, at least not without an evil superpower mask.

I suppose an examination of the economy and how genetically modifying massive amounts of food is helping farmers and consumers, weighing profits to well being tends to tilt in one direction rather than the other. Thankfully, there seems to be enough carefulness and awareness to overcome plague and famine in the long run. Still, population increase is directly related to ignorance and exploitation.

Which brings us back to bees. Crops and money means battling the bugs. So in the same way that we fight weeds, we fight bugs. It happens in our front yards. (3) Use that all-powerful index finger, squirt squirt, kick back and watch the cosmetically green dead zone dazzle our superficial imaginations.

Farmers are no less human when it comes to getting down on hands and knees in the heat of day, they're just supposed to be better at it than the average lawn owner. Once again the tides are changing. Gardens are good things. So are bugs and bees, and even many weeds are beneficial, certainly less harmful than Roundup.

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.