ORGANIC LAWN CARE

The image of a being a good neighbour is important to Canadians. We do not want to stand out as being different. This is where lawn care becomes a big issue. However, if you have decided that you simply cannot contribute to the pesticide usage any longer then you need to do something really difficult. The first thing that you must do is change your attitude and let everyone know that you have done so.

Put a sign on your lawn that says something like "I care more for my family and environment than I do about my lawn." (Available from the Sierra Club)

This immediately alerts the neighbours that there may be dandelions in the area. This should come as no surprise to them as they would be there anyway. I did this and the sign disappeared a couple of times. It was recovered from other lawns where the mischievous kids had replanted it. Its home address was printed on the back but it never returned from its last venture abroad. We would like to think that it is like the lawn gnome that was taken on a world tour by a couple of mischievous girls, and then returned a year or so later.

Other sample signs might give your personalized message. E.g.

Territorial: This is the only bit of the planet that I control, and it will be pesticide free.

Theological: God made dandelions to judge people's tolerance levels. Speak to Him about it, not me.

Neighbourly: Please walk on the assorted greenery called my lawn.

Sensitive: Stop the mistreatment of dandelions. Say no to pesticides.

Christian: Christians care for their God and his works. No pesticides here.

Whimsical: Ain't nature great. Look at the beautiful flowers on my weeds.

Entrepreneurial: Weeds Boarded. Seasonal Rates. No Pesticides.

Audubon member: Birds and Creatures Welcomed. Flora and Fauna are Pesticide Free

Botanical: New species of weeds found here periodically. No Pesticides

Sarcastic: This lawn is for the birds (and other creatures). No Pesticides.

Creative: Rare horticulture practiced here. No Pesticides.

Friendly: Caution: Don't mess with mother nature, she gets even. No Pesticides.

The Toronto Environmental Alliance has produced several fact sheets on how to care for your lawn organically. The 10 pages of procedures and other information are more than can be coped within this paper. If anyone wishes, I can supply them with the address of this organization.

Organic lawn care is a potential entrepreneurial venture that I believe is sure to evolve as the dangers of pesticides become more and more apparent to the Cambridge community. I read somewhere that this industry is becoming available to those who have already made the decision to tread a little more lightly on the earth.

Many believe that chemical lawn care has been here forever, but in fact this mono-culturized and sterilized environment that we call lawns has only been with us since the end of the second world war. Before this time lawns were a dynamic collection of various grasses, clovers, and wildflowers. The soil was full of microorganisms that broke down the organic material and nourished plant life as it was intended to do. Chemical fertilizers, non-native grasses, short mowing, and sterilized soil were not part of a good lawn care program.

Have a nice day.