Finding An Alternative To Water-Intensive Lawns

A broad expanse of lawn surrounding homes in the suburbs has traditionally been part of the American dream. Maintaining a lush, green lawn, however, requires fertilizer, broad-leaf weedkillers and lots of water.

Concerns about the amount of water used to keep these lawns green mount as awareness of environmental issues grows.

Some homeowners are turning to wild lawns, which really resemble meadows with flowers more than lawns. If this alternative interests you, there’s a new book on the market to get you started, “The Wild Lawn Handbook” by Stevie Daniels (Macmillan, $20).

According to the author, 24 million acres of suburbia are planted in lawn, $7.5 billion is spent on lawn care and the average lawn requires 10,000 gallons of water each summer to keep it green.

The book covers material ranging from deciding to grow a wild lawn to choosing the appropriate plants and grasses for your climate and needs. Sources of seeds and plants are also included.

While not maintenance-free, a wild lawn doesn’t require weekly mowing and grooming, and that’s a plus for busy people.

More on lawns: Those who have begun the annual ritual of mowing their traditional lawns should review safety tips when operating lawnmowers.

It’s always a good idea to review the owner’s manual, regardless of how many years you’ve owned the equipment.

Wear eye protection.

Clear the lawn of children’s toys, stones, wires, sticks, and dog bones.

Do not allow children to operate a power mower.

Don’t mow barefoot or when wearing open sandals.

Don’t mow when the grass is wet and only mow in daylight.

If you hit a foreign object, turn the engine off and disconnect the spark plug wire before checking the blades for damage.

Just relax: Anyone considering a hot tub can call for a free brochure outlining the options for new types of spas. “Owning A Spa” is available from ICI Acrylics by calling (800) 253-8881.

On the Internet: Computer-literate gardeners can now get plenty of gardening information from the Worldwide Web. Yes, the American Horticulture Society has gone on line.

The information includes plant selection and research, techniques and garden tours. The e-mail address of Garden Marketplace is: @http:/ /eMall.com/.