Product Details

Publishers Weekly

Mellor, the director of grounds at Fenway Park and a sports turf field consultant, knows his lawns. A self-professed "lawnatic," Muller holds that beautiful green grass is the stuff of memory (remember "that first $5 you earned cutting someone else's lawn"?), the secret to prime curb appeal and even a key to getting in touch with our "agrarian roots." In his comprehensive illustrated guide, he describes the different types of grasses (creeping bentgrass is good for putting greens, while Kentucky bluegrass is a suburban lawn classic), shows homeowners how to determine their soil type (try the "Squish Test"), offers tips for maintenance (mow high during droughts) and even includes directions and diagrams for different mowing patterns ("Your lawn is your canvas"). His section on lawn pests features drawings of the insects that plague lawn owners and lists ways to get rid of them, from the "beneficial nematodes" that prey on pest larvae to insecticidal soaps to chemical pesticides. For those who take their lawns very, very seriously, there's a gold mine of information in here, all clearly organized and thoughtfully presented. (Apr.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

A master groundskeeper at Boston's Fenway Park, Mellor suggests that his book is for lawn addicts, but even average homeowners will enjoy and benefit from it. He starts with the basics-the anatomy of a blade of grass, different types of grass, and the merits of soil preparation. Then he presents detailed techniques that the homeowner can use to create or rejuvenate a lawn and moves on to discuss maintenance in depth. While Nick Christians's Scotts Lawns and John Fech's Taunton's Lawn Guide offer similar advice, Mellor's guide distinguishes itself with the inclusion of tips and anecdotes from professionals-academics who study turf, groundskeepers from major league ballparks, and other pros like the executive grounds superintendent at the White House. While these lawn addicts are all quite serious about their work, they know how to relate tips in a lighthearted, memorable way. Die-hard lawn fans will particularly enjoy the chapter "Getting Fancy," a discussion of mowing patterns with nice photos from ballparks. This book is a winner; highly recommended for most gardening collections.-Bonnie Poquette, Shorewood P.L., WI Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.