Hey Neighbor, How Does Your Garden Grow?

After months of suffering under 5 foot drifts of snow, all those perennials I broke my back (and bank) planting last summer are peeking their brilliant little green fonds through the layers of rotting leaves and dried grass. There are even a few odd crocus bulbs blooming in the front rocks (I planted them 2 falls ago and had all but given up on the little buggers).

And along with all these sweet signs of spring come the vicious thorns of weeds. It seems as though the thistle, dandelion and ground ivy have taken off more vigorously than most anything else in the yard. So - I spent my sunny Sunday morning plucking more weeds than a cross-dresser does eyebrow hairs to give the new shoots a fighting chance. Let's say I went about it the old fashioned way.

My neighbors, however, do not seem to appreciate this hands-on approach.

As I walked Affrey home from a rousing game of Chuck-It tennis ball chasing at my local elementary school, I noticed one of my neighbors walking through her front lawn, auspicious green and yellow spray bottle in hand, targeting her nasty lawn pests with a sharp spray of noxious chemicals. On her sidewalk, just above the street drain, is a friendly reminder to "Do not dump. Drains to Poudre river."

Never mind the run off from her chemical laden lawn.

But what are we gardeners supposed to do? Fight the weeds every Sunday, armed with only garden gloves and one of those fork things to dig dandelions up by the root? What if I want to camping instead ... will the Columbines be forced to battle the ground ivy, unaided?

Not so! There are green alternatives to those nasty sprays you'll "round up" at the local Home Depot. Look for these earth-friendly (and pest-fighting) options:

Bioganic Home & Garden
Bioganic is naturally derived blend of Thyme, Clove, and Sesame oil that is safe around children and pets.

Deadeye
Natural and environmentally-safe weed and grass killer made with all-natural products, commonly found in home kitchens, so you can use it with peace of mind.

WOW!
Contains no lingering synthetic chemicals, so your family, friends and pets can enjoy your lawn right after you apply it! As it suppresses weeds, WOW! slowly releases nitrogen to keep your lawn green and beautiful.