The 'Green,' Green Grass of Home By Paul Rogers When it comes to pesticides and chemicals on the lawn, experts say
it's easier than you think to be 'green.' Last summer, Beth Soltzberg
took her two-year-old son Rafi to an outdoor kids concert on the
lawn of the town library. The two played on the grass along with
dozens of other parents and small children. After the show, as they
made their way back to the car, Soltzberg noticed a small sign on
the edge of the lawn: Treated with pesticides. Keep pets and small
children off the grass. It's a terrible feeling to see that on
a piece of public land, where there's just been a children's concert,
where children go all the time, and not know if your child's been
exposed to something, - says Soltzberg. The incident inspired her
not only to commit to making her home lawn chemical- and pesticide-free,
but also to advocate for green lawn care in her community. Soltzberg,
in fact, is part of a movement that's spreading like crabgrass across
North America: organic turf. With everything going organic these
days - from vegetables to milk to meat - it should come as no surprise
that grass is next on the list. The great thing about green lawn
care, says Soltzberg is that anyone can do it. It comes down to public education. If most people knew there were safe, doable, affordable
alternatives, they would just as soon not put chemicals on their lawns. While the specifics of each lawn differ and the options
available for organic turf are plentiful, some key guidelines from
lawn experts will help you get started on the path to greener -
in all senses of the word - grass.
The ABCs of foundation
plants
When it-s time to choose, or change, the plants that nestle next
to your house, experts say you should proceed with care and flair.
