lawn care questions

[kroonkles]

so we just came home from a two week holiday to a "garden of dandelion flowers" (as dd 5 aptly put it). We are new to the homeowner thing and I'm wondering if there are any ways to manage weeds without resorting to a chemical lawn spray company (because of health/safety issues and expense).

We happen to own a modest house on a high-priced block, so everyone here has beautifully cared for lawns and I'm fast becoming embarrassed.

Any tips? Landscaping ideas are also welcome.

[srain]

Give your kid a vase and get her picking. Or she might prefer to use garden clippers. If you can convince her to dig them out by the roots, better yet. We, personally, think that it's better to have a non-homogenous environment- are you worried about this for you, or for your neighbors?

[peverroad]

They wont last long. They only stay around for a month or so and then they will be all gone. Or you can cut your grass more often

[Twocoolboys]

What's wrong with dandelions? I personally think they are cheery and springy looking. I love them. I think there is something sad about those chemically treated lawns that don't have one dandelion on them. A little creepy too.

[knittingmomma]

I don't understand what is wrong with dandelions either... they do only last a short time and then again for a month in September I think. When they are here they are such a treat for children... my kids have so many games they play with them and then when they seed they love blowing them (although, I can only imagine that your neighbors wouldn't be too thrilled with that).

Warm wishes,
Tonya - Home Centered Mom of 5

[kroonkles]

we think they look nice too, but they have nasty roots and tend to multiply
Our backyard is so covered with dandelions and weeds that my kids can't even run out there barefoot. We actually tackled the front lawn by purchasing a tool that removes dandelions and are in the process of uprooting them one by one. Between that and mowing the lawn, it looks much, much better!
Our backyard is really scary, though. DH is determined to do the same over there because he and dd really want to plant veggies. They've already planted some in a little garden box, but hope to do some more once they get some area cleared.

thanks for all your responses