Hooray for Grass

Grass is a common plant with slender leaves and the tenacity to grow almost anywhere. Grass is an important part of our lives even though we often take it for granted. In Robert Heinlein's book "Stranger in a Strange Land," Michael, the human who was born and raised on Mars, is hesitant to step on the grass when he first sees it, because after all, "these live." Grass is all around us and is not merely a weed to be mowed down and stomped on. Any child knows the joy of rolling in a lush field of tall grass that has never been mowed.

As for lawn care, I think that is probably one of the stupidest American practices. Consider this: First, you spend money to water the lawn and make it grow. Then, you pay even more for a lawnmower to cut the grass, so you can water to make it grow some more. And if you use any kind of fertilizer to make it grow more then it is even more expensive. Some people spend more money on their lawn than on their family, and for what? A "lush" lawn doesn't give anything back to you. It won't save you any money on gas, food, or diapers. Don't even get me started on the war against dandelions, a beautiful flower that is one of the first signs of summer. Moreover, let's face it, not many people really like going out and spending time pushing a machine around to cut the grass. Not to mention fixing the mower when it breaks. Many cities require you to cut your lawn so that the town looks "nice." To me, one of the ugliest sights on earth is a cut lawn or golf course. Mother Earth does not look good in a buzz cut.