From the Start Your Week with Steve newsletter of Steve Henderson Fine Art:
Steve Says:
“Before we lived in the country, we lived in town, and one year I decided to rework the entire backyard lawn with a maddox. Carolyn teases me, but I prefer to get my exercise by doing something practical.
Depending on where and how you live, your lawn can look different from anyone else’s. Highland Road by Steve Henderson
“After weeks of chopping and leveling, I was ready to plant the new grass, and while what we really wanted was a natural mix of clover and alternative greenery, as opposed to the conventional blend, such a customized mix was beyond our budget. So we planted the conventional lawn, which was shortly dotted and decorated with dandelions and natural clover.
“While our neighbors were displeased, we liked the look. We kept it trimmed and watered, and smiled at the yellow highlights interspersed with violets and white clover blossoms.
“When we moved out on our acreage, a lawn was the last thing on our minds. We pretty much mowed down what was there — clover, dandelions, interesting grasses, herbs, and other greenery — and called it our lawn. Ironically, what we mowed down and announced as our lawn closely resembles the expensive, customized mix that we wanted when we lived in town. Without even trying, we achieved the ‘natural’ look by simply keeping what was naturally there. People have asked us where we purchased our customized mix, although they still frown at the dandelions.
“We look at our lawn as an extension of who we are — unconventional, with a sprinkling of weeds.
“I often wonder, where did this concept that lawns, all lawns, must look like golf courses come from? And why do so many people feel compelled to go along with the expected flow of neighborhood expectations?
“More importantly, do we live our lives with the same attitude with which we care for our lawns? Do we shudder at the clover and the violets and the dandelions, or do we shrug and say, I keep it trimmed and watered, and it looks nice enough. This is what it is.
“This is what I am.
“Live your life. Be yourself. Keep the dandelions and the clover and the herbaceous, interesting grasses. It’s more natural.”
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This Woman Writes by Carolyn Henderson 
Yes, indeed …lovely, with none of the noxious chemicals…don’t get me started.
Candace Rose — I have seen people in sandals, and shorts, wandering through their yards on a breezy day, spraying stuff, which gets as much over them as it does over their yards. And they don’t think anything of it.
How amazing. Yes, the stuff looks like water, but it’s designed to kill. And if it shrivels plant cells so well, how come people don’t think that it might possibly have some effect on their own cells? Amazing.
I hope I didn’t get you started — but I fully agree with you. I’m fine with the weeds and flowers. And I like being healthy! — Carolyn
I agree with you and Candace Rose. Why do we have to follow everybody else? Just be who we are.
lovelaceii — Exactly! I firmly believe that one by one, we can make a difference, even it it’s only a difference of one. It all starts with each of us as individuals, figuring out who we are, being true to that person, and then encouraging others on their walk in life. You and I and Candace Rose — we’re doing it! — Carolyn
Wonderful post with a very practical insight. You inspired me today. Thanks.
Thank you, Island Traveler. The Norwegian Artist spent the afternoon mowing that lawn, with a regular old push mower (not a reel mower, although we used one of those when we lived in town), and it looks “real”!