BETTER LAWN PUBLISHED PERIODICALLY BY THE NEWS BUREAU OF BETTER LAWN & TURF INSTITUTE- Harvests SUITE 818 - 1016 BALTIMORE BUILDING KANSAS CITY 5, MISSOURI Vol. 6 No. 2 October 1, 1959 DR. SCHERY REVIEWS BELTSVILLE VISIT Following are a few highlights of a visit by Dr. Schery to the Plant Industry Station, Beltsville, Maryland, during the A.S.T. A. meetings in Washington, D.C. "Many bluegrass selections are under test at the Beltsville Station. The oldest is four year sod, the newest planted just last autumn. "Among the newer plantings, a demonstration-experiment was set up to compare Newport, Merio, natural Kentucky bluegrass, under three different cutting heights, and under four different regimens of fertiliza­ tion. All plantings were fertilized at seeding time, and additionally received (a) no fertilization, (b) 1-1/2 pounds spring and autumn, (c) three pounds spring and autumn, (d) three pounds autumn only. At the time of visit the moderate fertilizations were as good as any with autumn apparently the preferred season, at least to prevent leaf spot at heavy rates. "In general appearance of the new turf, Merion appeared more attractive at this season, due to its resistance to leaf spots. As turfs grew older (as evidenced on the four year old plots) differences were less apparent. Higher cutting favored the natural Kentucky bluegrass, as would be ex­ pected. It was interesting to have the observation that weekly cuttings gave better rhizome and root growth than did daily cutting. Of course, letting growth go long enough that tremendous leaf surface is removed is obviously disadvantageous. "It was found also that considerable root growth occurred through the winter, even when the tops were dormant. "Included in the four year old plots were the series of bluegrass seed sources furnished by the Institute. These were compared with the usual run of name selections, including Park, Troy, Delta, Aboretum, Newport, and Musser’s K-31. As mentioned, in these older turfs differences were inconsequential. "Selection is continuing for a tall fescue variety which will produce rhizomes. There seems some promising leads on this, and one of these days we may have a tall fescue variety that can make some of the claims now solely bluegrass’. However the experts view this mostly for pasture and roadside purposes, not lawns. "From time to time the Merion plantings have suffered from striped smut, a reasonably new disease. "The researchers continue to regard bentgrass in a mixture as undesir­ able, with as little as 5% bent in a lawn seed mixture becoming a very bad weed. "The seeded bentgrasses appeared a little poorer than the conventional vegetative selections, such as Cohansey and Congressional (which are recommended for the area), Penncross was somewhat better than Sea­ side. "In the irradiated Merion seed tests, only one favorable change in 3,000 was noted. This seemed to give greater resistance to stem rust and may be bred into future populations. "In the pre-emergent ’crabgrass control’ testing, both chlordane and certain arsenicals (PAX) seemed to inhibit germination of a number of kinds of grass for a period up to three months. Calcium and lead arsenate were not quite so inhibitory." AUTUMN PRESS KIT PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY TORO AND BEMIS Two of the four photographs appearing in the Institute’s Autumn Press Kit were contributed by the Toro Manufacturing Company and Bemis Brothers Bag Company. Other manufacturers have already indicated their willingness to supply similar photographs in future Institute press kits. KING CITY SALUTED AS BLUEGRASS CENTER The weekly newspaper series, "Missouri Can Show You", spotlighted King City, Missouri, on September 7, as "The Bluegrass Center." Sponsored by the Missouri Division of the United States Brewers Foundation, the article appeared in 208 weekly newspapers, 41 daily newspapers and in 4 state magazines. SEED WORLD ARTICLE BY DR. SCHERY DEFINES LAWN COSTS In the June 26 issue of Seed World, Dr. Schery revealed in "The Cost Living Lawngrass", that while the cost of living keeps going up, the cost of life in a lawn remain surprisingly slight. Modern cost figures for a home lawn are given. The article will be included in the Institute’s forthcoming Spring Press Kit. CORNELL TURFGRASS RESEARCH FACILITIES VISITED BY DR. SCHERY The following is a summarization of a visit made by Dr. Schery to Cornell Univer­ sity in August: "Plantings visited with Loren Hill, graduate student in charge. Areas much improved and more extensive than at time of last visit over a year ago. Areas planted to different types of grass, under the scheme of management (ample watering) are turning almost all to bentgrass or Poa trivialis. Thus the mixture of seeds is rather meaningless, even if no bent having been included in the mixture it does invade from the neighboring plots. "No good control has been found for the moisture loving grasses, includ­ ing Poa annua. Vapam sterilization of the soil was not completely effective, nor other soil sterilization treatments. "Of the bentgrass plots, Nimisila was regarded as one of the best, to judge by vigor and color. Brown patch was the only disease evident this summer, for which Tersan gave good control. "The bluegrass seed samples from different areas, sent several years ago, have been planted, and as with other plantings around the country, show no difference no matter the source of seed. "It is rather interesting that the same fate has befallen the fescues, even the tall fescues, as the bluegrass (namely invasion by bent, Poa trivialis and Poa annua, under the system of generous fertilization and watering practiced). "The pre-emergence herbicides have not been effective in controlling these invading grasses (PAX, Chlordane and the various arsenates have been tested). "The seeded Penncross creeping bentgrass has proven out very well, almost as satisfactorily in growth characteristics as the vegetative bents and of course, easier to plant because of being seed." DR. SCHERY ASSIGNED U.S.D.A. YEARBOOK SEED SECTION Dr. Schery has been assigned Section 8 of the U.S.D.A. 1961 Yearbook on Seeds currently in preparation. During his Eastern trip in August, Dr. Schery consulted with co-workers on this writing project and went over outlines. INSTITUTE CONTINUES TO ATTRACT EXTENSION AGENTS INTEREST Representatives of the extension departments of Maryland, Vermont, and Connec­ ticut have written the Institute recently, asking to be added to regular mailing list for materials to be used in their state. A similar request was also received from the supervisor of the Wisconsin Seed Laboratory. This further indicates the increasing acceptance of the Institute as an authoritative turfgrass research source. CONSUMER REPORTS COMPLIMENTS BLUEGRASS AND RED FESCUE Consumer Reports in its September issue in its article "Grass Seed," points out Federal law makes this a product that is well-labeled for consumers and states how to use the label when shopping for that fall seeding. CU’s consultants consider a large percentage of Kentucky Bluegrass essential in a general lawn mixture and further point out that the red fescues are a good choice for homeowners who do not want to work too hard on a lawn. Dr. Schery served as consultant for this report for Consumers Union. DR. SCHERY MAKES FIVE MISSOURI TV APPEARANCES During his trip to Missouri in September, Wayne Beavers arranged for Dr. Schery’s guest appearances on KSD-TV, St, Louis ("Keystone Lawns and Gardens’) on September 4; KOMU-TV, Columbia ("Of Interest to Women") on September 8; WDAF-TV, Kansas City ("Accent") and KCMO-TV ("Interview Personality") on September 9, and a delayed video taped telecast over WDAF-TV ("Farm Report") on September 16. On the evening of September 9, Dr. Schery spoke at the Garden Center before an audience of the combined Garden Clubs of Kansas City. ENGLISH REQUEST FOR INSTITUTE ASSISTANCE The English magazine, "Parks & Sports Grounds," has requested permission to reproduce "What Grass to Plant" by Dr. Schery, from the American Potash Insti­ tute Journal. They have also asked for any publications the Institute puts out. Parks & Sports Grounds advertises itself as the monthly journal of construction, maintenance and turf culture. OHIO ASSOCIATION OF GARDEN CLUBS USES INSTITUTE MATERIAL The Ohio Association of Garden Clubs asked the Institute to supply the appropriate materials for the hospitality packets to be used at the convention September 10 and 11. Reprints of articles by Dr. Schery, "Autumn Groundwork for Better Lawns" and "Let the Lawngrass Do Your Weeding" were sent along with the Institute’s Kentucky bluegrass sample seed packets for inclusion in the 1,000 hospitality envelopes. FLOWER & GARDEN MAGAZINE WRITERS RECOMMEND QUALITY GRASSES The August issue of Flower & Garden magazine carried several interesting lawn articles. In the regional coverage, quality turfgrasses received good treatment. Leonard Yager, Montana, entitled his page, "Tips for Success in Lawn Making," and said, for example, "You will pay more for permanent grass seed mixtures, but they’re worth it. You will be getting many more seeds for your money! Kentucky blue­ grass contains about 2,250,000 seeds per pound as compared with 250,000 seeds of ryegrass per pound. Bluegrasses form permanent lasting turfs. Ryegrasses are only temporary and die out in a short time. "For permanent lawns, Kentucky bluegrass . . . Where shade . . . some chewings fescue or creeping red fescue should be in the mixture ...." Bob Phillips, from Minnesota, in his "The Year’s Best Time for Lawn Improvement, " gives the reasons and information for autumn lawn starting. Then a feature article by A. E. Cott, from Iowa, under the title, "Seeding a Brand New Lawn, " says, "Use only the best lawn grass seed mixture ... bluegrass is still the most widely adapted permanent lawn grass in the East and Midwest ... shade grasses include creeping red and chewings fescues ... when in doubt stick to common Kentucky bluegrass." TURF RESEARCH ANNUAL QUOTES INSTITUTE Park Maintenance’s July issue contained their Turf Annual Vo. III and compiled new developments in the field of turfgrass production and management. The Lawn Institute was among the references to quotes by Dr. Schery throughout the 15-page summarization. Both Kentucky bluegrass and fescues received favor­ able mentions. CHANGING TIMES TURF EXPERTS ENDORSE BLUEGRASS AND FESCUE The August issue of the Kiplinger Magazine, Changing Times, carried a coast-to- coast set of recommendations by areas for lawns. Changing Times asked outstanding turf scientists to explain the newest techniques and their own pet theories for keeping lawns thick and green in their area. Here are sample quotes: ’’What about overseeding of Bermuda for a winter turf? Isn’t there something better than common rye grass? Yes ... most of our good cool-season lawn grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, meadow fescue or Astoria bent grass are far better. If conditions are favorable, these grasses may carry over into the second and third winters without any further work. The seed is more expensive and greater care must be given the young seedlings than with common ryegrass, but the resulting turf is superior." California & Southwest Area Report "Where I have to reseed, I use Kentucky bluegrass." Great Plains Area Report "Early fall planting of cool-season grasses -- such as Kentucky blue­ grass and red fescue -- takes advantage of better moisture, lower temperatures and less competition from summer weeds." Mid-Atlantic Area Report TRAVEL SCHEDULE TAKES DR. SCHERY EAST AND WEST Following an August 5th discussion of the newest procedures in lawn tending, espe­ cially as they complement a good rose garden before the Columbus, Ohio Rose Club, Dr. Schery headed East for conferences in New York State at Fredonia and Cornell University. After a visit to Amherst, Massachusetts, Dr. Schery gave a talk at Dome Island in the Lake George area. A trip to Kentucky to see how the grasses selected for heat- resistance were surviving and a conference in Cincinnati were also on his itinerary. Dr. Schery’s September schedule included the previously mentioned TV and live appearances in St. Louis, Columbia, and Kansas City, Missouri. After a quick conference at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Dr. Schery proceeded to Denver and acted as a judge for Denver’s most perfect lawn, selected from approximately 300 lawn entries. The winning lawn in Denver’s Northeast division was the Kentucky bluegrass lawn of Michael Nowecki, winner for the second consecutive year. At Santa Fe, New Mexico, Dr. Schery visited with Joe Clark, State Commissioner for Parks and Garden Editor of the Santa Fe New Mexican. INSTITUTE MAKES 4th ROADSIDE MAILING On September 1st, the Institute made the fourth in a series of regular mailings to State Highway officials. A covering letter by Dr, Schery devoted to the advantages of attractive roadsides pointed out that Kentucky bluegrass and improved red fescues lend character to the highway. "Use the Best Grasses For Your Roadsides, " a reprint from the June, 1959 issue of Better Roads, and a sample seed packet of Kentucky bluegrass seed made up the mailing. PARK EXECUTIVES RECEIVE INSTITUTE MAILING The first of a proposed series of mailings by the Institute to park executives was made on September 1st, Dr. Schery’s accompanying letter recommended Kentucky bluegrass and Oregon fine fescues for durable park turfs. Reprints included "Use the Best Grasses For Your Roadsides", from the June, 1959 issue of Better Roads, and "Summer Tests Your Lawn Program, " from the July, 1959 issue of Better Building Maintenance, plus a Kentucky bluegrass seed packet. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ... ABOUT QUALITY LAWN GRASSES "Late August is the best time to make a new lawn or correct the weakness of an old one, in all areas where bluegrass or fescue is the lawn seed mixture base. Though the days might still be hot and dry, the nights are cool. This combination of warm days and cool nights encourages rapid growth of both bluegrass and fescue. So take advantage of these good conditions. If crabgrass has been killed, sow blue­ grass seed on the dead crabgrass plants. They will protect it from birds and will keep the soil moist for quicker germination." "Lawn Rebuilding" Horticulture Magazine August, 1959 "But will he have the good judgment to sow the best and most expensive grass seed he can buy? If not, he will the next time. Turfgrass seed has never been better ... " "What Is This Thing Called Lawn?" Ladies Home Journal May, 1959 "First and foremost, buy good seed. Here, at left, you see what may grow from ’bargain’ seed; at right, what to expect from good seed. Local distributors handle several mixtures of good seed for their respective areas -- for full sun or part shade, and for a utility, high-grade, or a ’super’ lawn." "Lawn-Making Time Is Now!" The American Home August, 1959 "Mixtures of either Merion Kentucky bluegrass or common Kentucky bluegrass with red fescue should make the best lawns in the mid-Atlantic area, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists. "The success of these mixtures in five-year trials at Beltsville, Maryland, indi­ cate that they offer equal promise in areas of similar climate and plant environment in large sections of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, southern New England, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and northern Virginia. U. S. Dept. of Agriculture Release for August 4, 1959 "Early settlers in the New World found growing along the Atlantic seaboard grasses whose leaves had a distinctive bluish cast. Naturally it was called ’bluegrass’. "Pioneers who pushed into limestone regions of Kentucky and Tennessee found still another representative of the grass family. In size and shape it was so much like ’bluegrass’ that the vivid title attached to it. That is why a strictly green variety, without the slightest actual tinge of blue, came to boost Kentucky into fame as "The Bluegrass State"." Ladies Home Journal July, 1959 "Five thousand grasses bloom in the U.S. catalogues but only half a dozen grace Northern and Midwest lawn -- with Kentucky blue (illustrated) most prevalent. Kentucky blue is also a popular grass in Southern California." Newsweek August 17, 1959 "... I think your writings for the Better Lawn and Turf Institute have been a great help to American gardeners. You’re doing a wonderful job spreading the message and I wanted you to know it. We use your mats and material in our paper, and so do in confidence." George Abraham Courier Express Buffalo, New York "A friend of ours in looking through the most recent issue of DMS Editorial Pace saw your last release in the ’Your Lawn’ Series, and stated: ’This grass sounds like the best thing that has happened since the invention of the automatic washing machine. How can I find out the name and where it can be purchased?’" J. A. Baly Derus Media Service New York, New York