Dirty Sod

In the last post, I wrote about my interest in landscaping.
It was fitting that I ended up taking some work doing just that.
Unfortunately, it was the kind of landscaping that we are trying to discourage.

For me, (especially after today) a lawn is a stand alone example
of wasteful civic development.
I might be more understanding if Badminton was a huge phenomenon in this country, because a lawn is good for little else.
There are lawns that get used for children to play on, and for picnics.
But the vast majority of lawns are intended to do nothing but look green and weed free.
Lawns occupy large tracts of cleared land, consume copious amounts of water,
and contribute directly to fertilizer contamination in the ground and in water systems.
Only recently have pesticides and herbicides been reduced by city by-law restrictions.
In addition, there is the effects of air and noise pollution from keeping the lawns mowed.
I won't even bring up the crazy obsessive compulsive behaviour that lawns encourage in otherwise mentally healthy men and women.

This lawn here doesn't even take time to grow and love.
No careful preparation. No excitement as the little plants
reach out and populate the surface.
This was a lawn made by laying sod.
I can't even imagine the amount of chemical used to produce
such a heinous abomination.
Rake and roll.
Instant lawn.

I realize that many of you out there have lawns that you cherish.
Perhaps it is fond memories of the children running through the sprinkler.
Maybe it was that great family reunion when uncle George got wasted and puked on the grass.
I only hope that the love of the lawn isn't simply for the great pride it bestows due to it's virtuous green hue, perfectly cropped blades, immaculate shape and form, and the fervent exclusion of weeds.
If you feel at all guilty,
it's time to replace the lawn with a garden