R2 Thoughts for You Why Plant Grass In Missouri?
My back yard, overall view.
A few days ago, as I was mowing the “grass” on my lawn, a neighbor stopped me and asked me about my lawn. Before I continue, let me explain why I put “grass” in quotes. I really don’t have much grass to mow. Most of what I mow is, well, weeds. Yes, what I mow, most would call weeds when referring to lawns. I do plant grass seed every Spring, but very little. Just something to fill-in the spots where the weeds, for some reason that season, won’t grow. Back to my neighbor – he asked about what I do to make the lawn look so good? Really, in my opinion, the lawn is not all that great. It’s just, well, covered and green. That’s all!
I don’t really take care of my lawn except to mow, fill-in a few gaps in early Spring and water & fertilize. But, watch out for the fertilizing. I did too much of that this year. It’s the first time that I overdid it in twenty years. Right now, as I write this, my “grass” is showing some “burning” from this fertilizer I used to make it look better. Ouch! Stupid me! I should have left well-enough alone.
So, what’s the point of the question, why plant grass in Missouri? When my neighbor asked me about the lawn that I was mowing, I said, “I don’t really do anything, but mow what I don’t want to grow.” He said, “It looks really great. I don’t understand; what do you mean?” It was his last statement that made me realize what I’m doing is not normal, at least, from his point of view. He didn’t understand my philosophy of maintaining a lawn in Missouri. What is that philosophy, you ask? The philosophy is: “Missouri is a green state. All you need to do is let it be green.”
Here’s a closer view of the same yard. Look’s good, doesn’t it?
You see, many years ago, I flew, for the first time, over the United States from Missouri to the West Coast. While flying over the west, I noticed all of the circular fields in the landscape. I asked the people seated next to me what they were. They all responded with the same response, “they are farmer’s fields that are irrigated.” In other words, they are green only because someone has provided water for the circular areas. “But, I wasn’t used to that in Missouri,” I responded. They said, “of course, you wouldn’t see that in Missouri; Missouri is a green state.” Ever since then, I have made that part of my philosophy for taking care of my lawn in Missouri.
Why should we be so concerned about our lawn in Missouri? Since it is a “green state” all we have to do is cut what we don’t want, let grow what we do and “fill-in” what is missing.
Simple, yes! complicated, no!
Here’s a “close-up view.” Notice there is little evidence of grass in the lawn. Only, what grows naturally in MIssouri.
Why plant grass in Missouri? Good question.
I would love to read any and all comments you have.
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A grass related comment:
My brother lived in South Carolina for several years. I went to visit him in the winter once. I was freaked out about how all the lawns in subdivision were yellow. I guess with the type of grass (Bermuda, I think) and the warmer climate, this was typical there, but not to me, having spent most all of my life in the “green state of Missouri.” He assured me it turned green in the summer.
I wonder occasionally how much time is used up by people mowing lawns. I wonder what evil would befall us if we let them grow wild. I guess society would break down, because it seems awfully important in the communities where I’ve lived.
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Thanks for the comment Christine. My wife and I have a timeshare in South Carolina, but we have only traveled there in the Summer. When we go in the Winter, I can’t wait to see their yellow grass. :-)
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