Re: [Paddlewise] I fought the lawn and the lawn won

In a message dated 8/11/2005 10:39:18 PM Pacific Standard Time,  
dalloyd_at_telus.net writes:

Well, I  did it. I beat the lawn _this year_. I got rid of both lawns; dug 
them up,  threw them away (front and back yard, and replaced the lawns with 
rocks  and drought-proof plants (and a pool). Now, I should have more time 
for  paddling, and, I'm in the good books with Wavelength for not using  
chemicals anymore; as well, I can save on water costs -- which will help  
save for a kayak for my 10-year old who wants to paddle.

What have  you done in your life to make more time for paddling --other than 
become a  recreational map producer who gets to paddle around all day "doing 
work!"  :-)



I watch my neighbors don the ear muffs and try to nail the catch of the  
engine on the first stroke. The moss is taking over one  neighbor's backyard 
completely. In fact, the only reason he mows the  backyard is to keep the long 
hairs of the grass that manage to poke through the  moss in check. The crows gouge 
holes in the moss when its wet, to uproot worms  and such. Not a hill I want 
to die on, as they say.
 
Me, I laid down a weed barrier and dumped 35 yards of cedar bark dust on  
top, spread evenly. I then added native Swordferns, Western Red Cedar, Douglas  
Fir and some non-native Redwoods and Tasmanian Ferns. Sure I lose out on that  
American Dream of turning my yard into a manicured Kentuckey horse pasture, 
but  I have a lot of time left over for paddling and no need for the chemicals 
or  hardware necessary to keep up a lawn. Salal is taking over the side yard,  
hopefully it will crowd out my wife's roses, netting still more time saved for 
 paddling. But I doubt it.
 
Rob G
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