Think your lawn has problems? friend, take a spot in line

Last week I was busy out in front of my big old scary house planting mail-order hostas. My slightly drafty 1910 fixer-upper badly needs a paint job, and some cement work on the front porch wouldn't hurt either. For now, I figure the least I can do is plant some nice perennials to cover the cracked foundation.

Almost done, I turned around to take in the entire front yard, when - my gaze crossed the street to the neighbor's yard and I felt as if struck by lightning.

Staring at my neighbor's lawn, I took in its perfect emerald green color. Let me tell you, there is nothing but appropriate lawn grass of the best British bloodlines in that front yard. Trimmed, edged, watered and level, this is a lawn that looks like dark, bluish-green velvet. I'm sure it feels like velvet, too, though I haven't snuck over there in my bare feet.

Then I looked at the collection of random green vegetation that passes as my own lawn. I felt no pride. What I felt was the searing pains of lawn envy. And the guilt: What do my neighbors think? How does a ragged lawn reflect on me as a person? Does it make me a bad mother? A yard felon?

The vegetation posing as my lawn consisted of some grass - mostly crab grass and violets mixed in with clover and moss. I had to do something. Dynamite came to mind. Or goats.

I've always been a low-maintenance lawn person. To me, grass is a weed and no matter what happens to it - drought, floods, bugs - it'll probably grow back. I've said no to spraying, fertilizing and watering.

Suddenly I empathize with lawn owners who water morning, noon and night, spread chemicals to make some things grow and other things not grow, and spend thousands on complicated sprinkling systems, mowers, trimmers and edgers, just to get that emerald green lawn.

After a few moments of terror and reflection I decided to do what any other reasonable woman in my garden clogs would have done: I hired a lawn service. I hope that's the end of my obsession.

In this issue of Home we take a look at the lawn. Pat Munts went to visit with Devaneys to take a look at some common lawn issues. On page 10 Munts gives directions on how to grow a good lawn - and she also has suggestions as to what you can do instead of planting grass.

Cheryl-Anne Millsap takes Treasure Hunting to the kitchen drawers and cupboards looking at collectible cooking tools, trinkets and utensils, some of which have been passed down for generations.

And don't miss Rik Nelson's conversation with local artist Kay O'Rourke about sustainability, art, gardening and, well, chickens.

Next week we feature a home tour in Coeur d'Alene, and take a look at pocket pets.

It looks like summer is coming our way - so don't forget the sunscreen when you head out to mow, water and edge that beautiful lawn.

Welcome Home!

Pia K. Hansen, Home Editor, piah@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5427

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