Manual Mowers Multiply

The word laune has been located in Tudor texts dating to 1548 and was first used to describe a glade or open space between woods. Some two hundred years later the meaning of the word had changed. Carefully tended swatches of grass had begun appearing in the formal gardens of France and broad expanses of sheared grounds had begun to grace the estates of England. The word lawn evolved to describe these mowed grounds. Mowing, of course, was not done by machine, but rather by grazing animals and laborers with sickles and scythes. ~ Catherine Kavassalis

We know the story from there. Lawns have become the emerald robe of prestige and pride for many homes. Suburbia arose out of every man's dream to be king of his castle with a comfortable cushion of grass distancing himself from his neighbour's estate. The lawn is a complement to the shiny new car parked in the driveway... a pivotal mark of status and keeping up with the Joneses.

Of course, maintaining the spacious expanse has come a long way from the sickle and scythe. Scotts and John Deere now play a pivotal multibillion dollar role. As well, lawns require water during prolonged heat and drought, and weed killers to maintain healthy growth. Ironically lawns and environmental issues often don't mix.

In light of these developments it's interesting that sales of push lawn mowers are up 70%. Clean Air Gardening sells the Brill Razorcut 38 for $250. It's only 17 pounds with stiff frame, silent cut design, finely engineered welded steel cutting blades which do not have to be sharpened for ten years, and sealed bearings.

Sounds like the Brill Razorcut is not only the green option of choice for grass, but, hey, let's call it the revolutionary new exercise machine which uses all the muscle groups, improves cardiovascular health, and provides the ultimate aerobic workout.

Also check out their lawn aerating shoes, compost bins, and hand powered portable washing machine. Going green is workin it!