Top 10 Lawns

Lawns, like clothing, furniture or the vehicles we drive, reflect our personality. Some lawns may be flawlessly groomed with razor-straight edging and nary a weed in sight, while others may be more casual and comfortable, such as a suitable play area for kids.

With apologies to David Letterman and his nightly Top 10 List, Briggs & Stratton has just come out with its annual Top 10 Lawns List. From national landmarks to outdoor American icons, these plots of grass are an undeniable part of our heritage and culture.

Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is the only California lawn to make the Top 10 List. Other sites include The Alamo in San Antonio, Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, George Eastman House in Rochester, Georgia International Plaza in Atlanta, Grand Hotel in Michigan, The Lawn at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Montana, Magnolia Plantation in Charleston and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis.

Of course, we have plenty of prized lawns locally. One that I stare at every day is the huge meticulous green expanse here at Goldsmith Seeds where I work. Two acres of flat and rolling grass with free-form flower beds placed strategically within it. This display garden, by the way, is open to the public seven days a week to stroll and enjoy. There is even a raised viewing tower to get an elevated view of the surrounding flower field.

And now, you can get into the act and win $5,000 at the same time. The Third Annual All-American Lawn Contest, sponsored by Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse and Briggs & Stratton, runs through July 31. Besides the grand prize, nine others will get $250 gift certificates from Lowe's. Entry information is available on the Internet at www.lowes.com or at www.briggsandstratton.com

Even if your lawn isn't a prize winner, you can get it looking better with some common sense tips. For instance, weeds are the bane of a lawn's existence. Control weeds before they take control of your lawn. Pull or cut out weeds; spray if necessary. Also keep your grass watered! Provide at least one inch per week this time of year. It's better to water deeply a couple times a week rather than sprinkling daily since deep watering leads to deeper, healthier roots. Water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

Fertilize your lawn at least two or three times a year. Fall is especially important, but late winter/early spring is, too. This time of year, don't forget about so-called "weed-and-feed" products that fertilize your grass and kills weeds at the same time. Organic fertilizers are usually longer lasting as well.

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