BETTER LAWN

PUBLISHED PERIODICALLY BY THE NEWS BUREAU OF 

BETTER LAWN & TURF INSTITUTE -

Vol. 8 No. 6

Harvests 

SUITE 818 - 1016 BALTIMORE BUILDING 
KANSAS CITY 5, MISSOURI

June-July, 1961

DR. SCHERY’S REPORT TO INSTITUTE MEMBERS
AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
-- MAY 20, 1961 -- KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

We who work daily with Lawn Institute projects feel this has been an outstanding 
year both in public acceptance, and in making quality turfgrasses - bluegrass and 
fescue - household by-words. Because the Harvests newsletter is mailed bi­
monthly to all members, we need not take time reviewing details of the year’s 
operations. Rather I hope to summarize a half dozen of the year’s high lights, 
refreshing memories on the whys and wherefores. Then Mr. Mura will provide 
a snappy chronological resume, - the logbook of our activities through this past 
fiscal year. In the later business session administrative activities will be 
touched upon, including review of some of the proposals which your Board has 
threshed out in a special meeting yesterday afternoon.

This review, then, concerns chiefly: (1) the seal of approval, (2) printed 
articles, (3) newspaper press kits, (4) movies and other visuals, (5) public 
appearances, and (6) blowing test methods for bluegrass. Several of these 
topics may receive added attention during the business session.

1.  "Seal of Approval". It may be recalled that the idea for a seal of approval 
originated several years ago, with no unanimous opinion on stringency of stand­
ards , how acceptable it might be to the trade, or how it could be objectively ad­
ministered. Most members did feel that it could be influential in encouraging 
greater use of quality turfgrasses, especially in mixtures; and as events evolved, 
in helping the industry upgrade to higher standards, in lieu of being forced to 
through state-by-state legislation defining lawn seed that was and is still threat­
ening. A few major seed houses indicated from the beginning lack of interest in 
use of the seal, presumably because they felt there might be some dilution of 
highly advertised and established brand identity. We have taken pains to point 
out that all seal-bearing mixtures are not the same, and that brand responsi­
bility is paramount; but we must face the fact that from the beginning the seal 
has experienced pressures from both the right and the left - those who felt the 
move not bold enough, and those who wished not to go even as far as we have.

The Board several years ago charged me to study the seal idea, and report back 
how it might be employed. For two successive annual meetings the item was 
tabled, largely in deference to major packagers not sympathetic. Then, after a 
meeting of interested parties in Chicago, and some good spade work by Jack 
Herman’s associate member committee, the present plans were activated at

the annual meeting just a year ago.

The criteria for the seal are essentially those developed in the initial investiga­
tion, through correspondence and discussion with the Lawn Institute Board of 
Advisors - those turfgrass experts scattered across the country, in almost every 
state. I might point out that in this group as a whole there was much stronger 
feeling for the need of a seal than the trade itself has felt. Many of the experts 
feel that our standards are still not stringent enough, and the few on the Board of 
Advisors who were negative about the seal were opposed primarily because they 
thought we could not enforce its standards.

From its inception the seal was designed not to be a "gimmick" for any single 
grass or variety, but was to have broad utility for the whole quality turfgrass 
bailiwick, and be available to all quality seed packagers. As such our criteria for 
acceptance of a seed mixture have always been that: (a) grasses be perennial for 
the climate where marketed, (b) that they be not coarse, but of fine texture, (c) 
and that they be able in some degree to spread and colonize - be rhizomatous or 
stoloniferous.

In order to permit flexibility and some nursegrass use, these criteria were de­
cided upon for 75% of the seed mixture on a pure seed basis. Any inert, "crop", 
etc. must be absorbed by the remaining 25%. Moreover, the committee reserved 
the right to refuse the seal where it was felt the mixture was highly improper, 
aimed primarily against the inclusion of small percentages of tall fescue, timothy 
or such like in an otherwise fine-textured mixture. It is felt that a small per­
centage of tall fescue is even worse than a high percentage, since it leads to 
coarse clumps that stool and persist indefinitely.
Applicants for the seal must be associate members, thereby insuring at least a 
general screening as to their integrity. Secondly, each applicant has had to sign 
and return an agreement, stating those mixtures and only those upon which the 
seal will be employed, indicating in which climates they are to be marketed. Pre­
liminary correspondence suggests pretty well which seed mixtures would likely 
merit approval by the seal committee. Then the signed agreement and proposed 
analyses are forwarded to President Gassner for review by the seal committee, 
returned to the Marysville office files after initialing of approval or disapproval.

As you are aware we have no field staff capable of policing this program. But 
because the seal has been granted only to responsible seed houses, and because 
competitors would be quick to point out violations to us, we feel that employment 
of the seal has so far been honest.

For calendar 1961 the Board stated that there would be no royalty charged on use 
of the seal. It was hoped that appreciable advertising on behalf of the seal would 
be undertaken by the users, in lieu of royalty payments, which has occurred to a 
greater or lesser extent. You see on display some of the advertisements, boxes, 
catalogues and point-of-sale displays developed during the year. For those mem­
bers not wishing to have the seal imprinted on their own packages, the Lawn In­
stitute arranged for pressure-sensitive stickers and window banners, available 
at cost.

The acceptance of the seal has been gratifying, especially among editors, news 
columnists, technical people, and seed control officials. Mimeograph hand-outs 
were made for explanation of the seal. Custom articles have been supplied vari­
ous magazines. The Kansas City office issued a news feature on the seal. It was 
stressed again in the spring press kit. As a result of this activity the seal story 
has received about as much publicity through the spring season as any of our 
promotional efforts. Seal stories have appeared in these and other newspapers: 
Kansas City Cooperative Consumer; Independence, Missouri Examiner; Parkville, 
Missouri Dispatch; Bowling Green, Ohio Sentinel-Tribune; Cleveland, Ohio Press; 
Salem, Oregon Capital-Journal; Springfield, Massachusetts Republican; Cleveland, 
Ohio Press-News; South Bend, Indiana Tribune; Longmont, Colorado Times-Call; 
Asbury Park, New Jersey Press. Magazines carrying a seal story include: Park 
Maintenance, Parks & Recreation, Flower & Garden, Horticultural Newsletter, 
Seed Trade News, Seed World, Florists Exchange, Trees, Concept, Horticulture, 
Flower Grower, Popular Gardening, American Rose. Members and the Oregon 
Fine Fescue Commission have featured the seal in catalogues, on sales sheets, 
in local and national advertising. Extension from Colorado State has sent reviews 
to all Colorado papers. The seal has been a point of discussion at professional 
gatherings, such as recently at the Western Seed Control Officials meeting in 
Sacramento, of which Mrs. Louisa Jensen writes: “It would have done your heart 
good to have seen the response to the Lawn Institute Seal of Approval which was 
exhibited at our meeting. You will probably recall that this was a meeting of the 
Western Seed Control Officials. On April 4 you wrote me and sent materials 
covering the Seal of Approval and copies of information on the climax blowing 
point. These helped very much in preparing my remarks for the meeting. The 
display of the Seal of Approval which you sent was put up in front of the podium 
for the remainder of the day after I spoke and for the following day. I also dis­
tributed the mimeographed sheets on the Seal of Approval. Thank you for sending 
all of this material to me."

I view this as an auspicious start for this program, which is being increasingly 
adopted by associate members. Only eight members intended to use the seal at 
the beginning of the year, but since then added applications have swelled the total 
to fourteen.

There are problems ahead of us on the seal. Royalties will have to be forthcoming 
if we are to be effective in national promotion. And we would hope for ever wider 
acceptance of it as a quality symbol by the whole trade.

2. Printed Articles. I won’t take a great deal of time reviewing stories in the 
gardening press; they are familiar to you from years past, and reprints of most 
articles have been circulated to the members. However acceptance of our stories 
has reached a new peak this last year. I believe this reflects growing awareness 
of the Institute, and the image created as an impartial source of sound information 
on lawns and turfgrass.

It also vindicates the policy established many years ago when Mr. Peppard was 
President, of emphasizing lawns, not seed alone. As we have pointed out re­
peatedly, the consumer, the end man who shells out the cash which makes lawn

seed salable, is concerned solely with the end result, an attractive lawn not re­
quiring burdensome maintenance or remaking. It generally makes no difference 
to him the kind of seed employed. We all realize that what is done to and for a 
seeding is equally as important as the kind of seed planted; that even the best of 
seed will prove a flop if not properly planted and cared for. Therefore, to main­
tain prestige for quality seed, the Institute must perforce educate the comsumer 
in proper planting and management. You probably have noticed in the reprints 
sent through the year, and on display here today, that we try to give a complete 
and rounded story, even while featuring our grass favorites by name.

That this approach has been successful shows in both the quantity and quality of 
stories placed, and, as will be seen later from the news bureau clippings, in a 
highly favorable general impression. Lawn stories have appeared during the 
year in the following magazines and books:

PUBLICATION

C IRCULATION
OR COMMENT

TITLE

A Seal of Approval For Lawns
Man-to-Man Lawn Talk
Grass Greets The Guest

Fertilizing Lawns in Winter
10 Spring Lawn Problems
Lawns and Roses - Have Needs in 

Common

Lawngrass - Or Weed

Theories About Lawn Care
Planting The New Lawn

Lawn and Turf Time
Why Lawn Seed Mixtures
Quick Sprouting of Lawn Grass
Showcase for Roses
The Prestige of Quality Turf
Modern Power Mowers

Lawn Time Coming Up
Lazy Lawning
The Cost of Living Lawngrass
Build Your Lawn

Turf and Your Park
Weeding Lawns

Lawns - Preparation & Maintenance American Nurseryman 

Concept - 2/61
Flower Grower - 10/60
Tourist Court Journal - 

2/61

Concept - 1/61
Popular Gardening - 3/61

American Rose - 4/61
The Gardener - 6/61

Horticulture - 4/61
Better Building Maintenance 

4/61

(in press)

Florists Exchange - 4/61
Seed World - 4/28/61
Seed World - 4/14/61
American Rose - 7/60
Concept - 9/60
Better Building Maintenance 

7/60

5/60

Flower & Garden - 8/60
Popular Science - 6/60
Seed World - 5/60
Better Building Maintenance 

Park Maintenance - 5/60
New York Botanical Garden 

Journal - 6/60

5,000
500,000

25,237
5,000
300,000

15,000

(publication
Men’s Garden 
Club)

90,000

51,260

7,727
5,821
5,821
15,000
5,000

51,260
500,000
1,250,000
5, 821

51,260

TITLE

PUBLICATION

CIRCULATION 
OR COMMENT

Don’t Let Crabgrass Spoil Your Lawn Horticulture - 5/60
The Lawn Makes the Tree King
Matting Protects Grass Plantings
New Lawns and Nursegrasses
Grass Seeds For Lawn and Turf

Trees - 7/8/60
Seed World - 9/60
Seed World - 9/9/60
1961 Agricultural Yearbook 

(in press)

Seed World - 7/22/60
Proceedings Missouri Lawn 

& Turf Conference

The Cemeterian - 2/61
Horticulture - 1/61
Missouri Botanical Garden 

Bulletin - 9/60

Parks & Recreation - 11 /60
Better Building Maintenance 

(in press)

Oregon Seed League Meetings 
Proceedings - autumn 
1960

Landscape Architecture 

American Nurseryman 

(in press)

(in press)

(in press)

Better Building Maintenance 

Better Homes & Gardens - 

summer 1960

American Home - 8/60
New York Times - 8/60
Macmillan - 3/61

American Horticultural 

Magazine - 3/61

Flower & Garden - 
summer 1961

American Nurseryman 

summer 1961

House Beautiful’s Practical 

Gardener - 1960 
edition

Hot Weather Precautions
Lawngrasses - Old and New

Choose Lawn Beauty
Lawns Need Food Too
Lawn Establishment and Care

The Grass in Your Life
The Lawn’s "New Year"

Branding Seed Mavericks

Choice Lawns

Season For Lawn Survival

Tidying Up The Turf

Will Grass Grow in The Shade

It’s Lawn Season
Fertilizing The Lawn
The Lawn Book
Better Homes & Gardens New Garden 

Book (Lawn Chapter)

Making and Maintaining A Lawn

Excerpts from "The Lawn Book"

Lawns, Preparation & Maintenance

Lawns

90,000
3, 940
5,821
5,821

Government 
distribution

5,821

90,000

51,260

51,260

3,665, 000
1,255,000

(usual printing 
in millions)

500,000

Of course we will continue to emphasize the placement of articles. I would be 
more optimistic, however, if there had been greater allotment through the years 
for research and demonstration grounds for the Institute. It has been necessary 
to draw heavily upon past background and experience in behalf of the Institute, 
gained prior to my assuming the directorship thereof. But without generating

new "angles”, new personal experiences, new "talk" about Institute research 
activities, one exhausts story possibilities of interest to editors. Readers aren’t 
interested in repetitions of the same old story in the same old vein. I think that 
publication of lawn stories may have reached its peak this year, and can hold its 
own only as facilities become available for a certain amount of our own research 
and demonstration. I mention this not to be negative, but to convey the sober 
realization that this major activity is not an unending one-way street.

3. Newspaper Press Kits. During the year the usual three press kit mailings 
were made, for summer, autumn, and spring. This has been our bread-and- 
butter activity, and Mr. Mura will tell you more about its mechanics of operation, 
handled through his office.

The clipping service has been sending all clippings to the Marysville office in 
recent months. This is our most feasible check upon the effectiveness of the 
press kits. Watching clippings through the spring season, I am paying especial 
attention to upgrading the distribution lists. Mr. Mura will no doubt tell you more 
about the program.

It has been customary to report on the press kits in terms of linage each year, - 
column inches of stories that have appeared and been nabbed by our clipping ser­
vice. Of course no clipping service catches everything, but year by year com­
parisons are valid since in each of the last three years our figures are based upon 
column inches by the same clipping service. In the year just ended we are happy 
to report both an increased acceptance in linage of Institute stories, and in total 
material appearing in the newspapers concerning lawns and turfgrass. I feel that 
once we have culled and revised our mailing list, we will be even more successful 
in economically reaching the outlets which really count.

This is a recap of linage noted through our press clipping service for the last 
three fiscal years:

Column Inches Noted By Luce

Institute Placed

General Lawn

1958-59
1959-60
1960-61

1,137
2,508
2, 796

7,712
11,710
17,161

It is especially gratifying to note in recent months the nearly perfect acceptance 
of the quality turfgrasses we have been promoting in the general press clippings; 
they seem now to be household words. Almost every columnist and editor refers 
to red fescues and Kentucky bluegrass as the taken-for-granted quality lawn 
species. It is probably encouraging to our Oregon friends that more frequently 
than not, red fescues are referred to as "Oregon fine fescues". As a matter of 
fact this and similar wordings originated through our releases give us encourage­
ment that our kits have a far-reaching influence much beyond credited reprinting. 
We see our thoughts, and sometime our exact words, cropping up here and there 
under the by-lines of various garden writers.

It seems we have convinced the editors and writers, whose tremendous influence 
certainly cannot be denied, but we still have a task of reaching the less sophisti­
cated home owners who read little if at all about gardening matters. The press 
kit discussion is perhaps not the place to review consumer activities, but we cer­
tainly do hope that our members will help in the forthcoming year in direct contact 
of dealers and the public. We will welcome being called upon for articles, infor­
mation, and public presentation to significant audiences of consumers or retailers, 
and we will appreciate very much being recommended by members for speaking 
engagements before any worth while gathering. This should tie nicely in with the 
seal program, and with our cooperative efforts in the trade organizations. Per­
haps we might even be guests of our packager associates for regional clinics, 
broadcasts, or educational phases of sales meetings.

4.  Movie and Visuals. Bluegrass Beauty has been one of the most successful of 
Lawn Institute undertakings. Demand for this movie has been excellent, and the 
audience to which it has played is sizable. The cumulative results since it has 
been distributed through Modern show (as of end of April) about 256 verified tele­
casts to an estimated audience of over 9,500,000, plus 1307 private showings to 
over 69, 000. There were about 50 telecasts in the fiscal year past, to over 2 
million viewers, and about 400 private showings.

I might mention that because of the enthusiasm shown for the movie the Executive 
Committee this spring approved releasing it to certain audiences not before ser­
viced, including teen-age (high school) groups. It is felt that not only are teen­
agers of some influence on purchases by their parents, but that they themselves 
will shortly be home owners and potential customers for quality lawn seed. Two 
prints of Bluegrass Beauty are also released for Canadian showing.

Two visuals of the fiscal year - the Featurette on the Lawn Institute seal, with 
Encyclopaedia Britannica, and the garden club slide sequence "Have a Top Notch 
Lawn", distributed through our friends in Oregon and sold to inquirers, will be 
shown as part of item 3 on the agenda. In addition to these we have also supplied 
photos and visuals upon request, and cooperated with others in their production. 
Especially gratifying was the cooperative work with the National Plant Food Insti­
tute, with whom we shared the cost of an Encyclopaedia Britannica Featurette 
on lawn seeding this spring, and reviewed for them the text on another (which they 
paid for) on the same subject. Last autumn we sponsored the Featurette "Time 
To Plant Grass", and of course some of our earlier 1960 Featurettes were dis­
played at last year’s annual meeting.

There is obviously a tremendous demand for visual materials, movies especially. 
During my visit to the Oregon Seed League meetings I had a chance to discuss with 
the Union Pacific people ideas concerning a seed movie they are contemplating. 
Even closer to us has been a rather elaborate movie planned by the National Plant 
Food Institute on lawns. The text of this was sent to me for criticism, and I be­
lieve I have been able to suggest ideas that not only will improve the movie but 
benefit the Lawn Institute objectives.

President Gassner will have more to say about future plans on visuals. It would 
seem that we should be laying aside the wherewithal for completing another film, 
as Bluegrass Beauty effectiveness ebbs in the next few years.

5.  Public Appearances. The year has been a fortunate one with regard to public 
appearances. As director of the Lawn Institute I have been invited to speak before 
such audiences as the Oregon Seed League (due no little to the good efforts of the 
Oregon Fescue Commission), the Connecticut Nurserymen’s Short Course, the 
Longwood Gardens lecture series, the Men’s Garden Club National Convention, 
Loose Park, Kansas City (Dr. Baumgardt), several turfgrass conferences 
(including banquet speaker at Arizona, Iowa and Missouri), park meetings, and 
before various garden clubs or professional associations.

On such occasions it is possible to distribute Institute literature, which in turn 
has far-reaching effects. For example, after the Longwood presentation, for a 
week or so we had continuous requests for reprints from New Jersey. After the 
Connecticut appearance one nurseryman wrote for 1000 reprints to distribute at 
a trade show. Longwood Gardens itself distributed hundreds of the reprints in 
our behalf. Colorado State University, Iowa State University, University of 
Massachusetts and others have seen fit to distribute our articles "officially".
This is in addition to the regular inclusion of reprints in letters of inquiry that 
come almost daily.

As you can see public appearances are a good means of establishing and broaden­
ing contacts. The Kansas City office, and Dr. Baumgardt, Director of Loose 
Park here in Kansas City, have been especially helpful in having me on television 
and radio in this area; Dick Kuehner has been similarly helpful in Oregon. I urge 
again that members think of us, when setting up presentations where an "independ­
ent lawn expert" may prove applicable. But, as with articles, our capacity to 
expand public appearances will correlate to a great extent with such original 
efforts as we undertake at the Institute; there is no avoiding the fact that one must 
do something in order to have something to talk about.

6.  Bluegrass Blowing Method Studies. We need not dwell upon details of "climax" 
and "uniform" blowing, since these are listed for discussion later in the agenda. 
This activity has been the activity nearest to original research undertaken during 
the year, and points up the effectiveness of developing one’s own data. Only 
through the meticulous compilation of data, by Seed Technology (sponsored by 
ASTA and the Marion Bluegrass Association as well as the Lawn Institute), have 
we been in a position to blunt AOSA action proposing obligatory climax testing of 
bluegrass by this July.

All of you have received the data, and are familiar with our questioning some of 
the original premises on the proposed climax blowing method, whereby light 
weight and southern sources of seed were discriminated against. Behind the 
scenes, and in public forum (such as at last summer’s ASTA meetings in Kansas 
City), our questioning with supporting data eventually succeeded in bringing about 
a re-examination of climax by AOSA representatives. I served as one of three 
members on the Joint Committee appointed by the ASTA President, to meet with

similar groups from the commercial seed technologists, the Seed Control Offi­
cials, and the AOSA. Ed Mangelsdorf has been especially helpful in following 
through and representing us at the Springfield AOSA meeting

The outcome has been abandonment of climax, and substitution of the new 
"Uniform" method, at a lower blowing than that for climax. This approximates 
tests achieved by the hand method. It encompasses the quicker blowing technique, 
and makes possible tentative evaluation of bluegrass even without a seed technolo­
gist.

There will still be a slight disadvantage to the new Uniform method over the hand 
method, for Kentucky-grown seed. But the average discrepancy will not be 
appreciable. Moreover, it was possible to introduce and have approved by the 
Joint Committee, a resolution calling for further study relating to Kentucky- 
grown seed.

I believe that a reasonable compromise has been reached, and the Uniform blow­
ing method something members can live with. It would seem pointless to fight 
further against a blowing technique, since even within the trade there is scant 
support for that position. If the Kentucky producers will press for the promised 
study by AOSA, perhaps along with Merion bluegrass (currently exempted from 
the method) special "dispensation" can be achieved for lighter seed areas.* * * * * * * *

In summarizing the 1960-61 fiscal year, I feel we have moved forward, have 
achieved results hardly deemed possible a few years ago even at several times 
our present budget. The grasses we represent are not a recognized quality sym­
bol. The Institute continues to gain prestige and status, as an honest, technically- 
oriented, educational arm of the trade. We have been influential in print, and 
honored by public invitation. Members, it seems to me, can be proud of what 
service their unselfish support has rendered the whole quality turfgrass industry.

This is not to imply clear sailing. The financial squeeze is, of course, deplor­
able, when seed still sells at prices of a generation ago while most else has 
doubled. And all quality turfgrasses are still not under our roof. I like to hope 
that in the coming year there will be added support from other groups benefiting 
from the program, as all quality turfgrass species do.

Equally as important as finances, is active enthusiasm for the Institute by the 
members. At times and in some areas there has been apathy, when proselyting 
was the crying need, both for new members and for contacts. Certainly the seal, 
and more generally the whole program, cannot be successful without active par­
ticipation, and help from the membership. The Marysville and Kansas City 
offices have reached just about as far as is possible with the present horsepower.

I do believe that the Institute is now poised, ready for outstanding effectiveness. 
We are established, reasonably polished, ready to seize opportunities. But like 
a mechanically ready vehicle, we need avenues down which to travel, avenues not

accessible to us except through the help of the members. We feel we can sell the 
Institute and its program, but others must help bring the customers to the meet­
ing place. Although we may represent quality turfgrass tellingly, when there is 
no larger staff than we have, a wide audience is gained only through recognition 
and referral by the industry. We are "on call" at all times, as for the "climax" 
battle; but we can only help the advance through working with those on the firing 
line.

In many ways it has been a gratifying year to me personally, not the least of which 
has been the pleasure of representing an esteemed group of men and a cooperative 
Board. President Gassner is due everyone’s gratitude for his meticulous atten­
tion to the multitute of reports both Mura and I circulate through his office, as 
well as his behind-the-scenes support in behalf of all Institute activities. And a 
very bright spot for the year has been the great friendliness and cooperation 
shown by the Oregon Fescue Commission, through the good offices of Mr. Kuehner 
and the Commission officers.

SEAL STORY IN "PARKS & RECREATION"

The April issue of "Parks & Recreation", a publication reaching approximately 
8,000 park and recreation directors, superintendents and executives as well as 
golf course superintendents, carries a story on the Institute Seal of Approval. 
The story, adapted from the news release material developed and circulated by 
the Institute, is headlined: "For Packaged Mixtures: Lawn Institute Institutes 
Seal of Approval."

FEATURED POSITION TO SEAL RELEASE

The April 5 issue of "Seed Trade News" gave front-page position to the Seal of 
Approval news release. Included in this publicity were the two photographs which 
the Institute furnished.

PROMINENT INSTITUTE COVERAGE IN "SEED WORLD"

The April 14 issue of "Seed World" featured a cover picture which was supplied 
by and credited to the Lawn Institute. Then on page 28 begins a story authored 
by Dr. Schery, entitled "Quick Sprouting of Lawn Seed." On page 30 follows a 
favorable review of Dr. Schery’s "The Lawn Book" -- with this comment: "The 
Lawn Book should be on the reference shelves or in some available spot in every 
garden center and garden supply store."

BEAL’S WEED SEEDS DUG UP FOR EIGHTIETH TIME

Dr. W. J. Beal’s buried weed seeds at East Lansing, Michigan, have been dug 
up for the eightieth year count. Back in 1879 Beal mixed 23 different kinds of 
weed seeds in moist sand, put the collection in each of 20 pint bottles, which in 
turn were buried about 18 inches below the soil surface, inverted so that water 
would not collect in the bottles. Each five years until 1920 one of the bottles was 
dug up, planted in the greenhouse, and germination of the weed seeds noted.

From 1920 until 1960 ten year intervals were spaced out. Thus the eightieth year 
count was made last year. Only three of the 23 original weeds still showed life 
after 80 years - an evening primrose, a mullein and curly dock. Only the latter 
might be considered a weed in lawns, since the former two would be eliminated 
in mowing. Few grasses were included in the original Beal selection, only one 
brome grass and one foxtail. The brome did not seem to last even five years, 
although the foxtail sprouted after 30 years, but in recent unearthings has failed 
to sprout since 1915 .

Beal’s experiment is the oldest known of this type. Of course there are more 
elaborate later experiments, with seeds buried in sterile soil and such like.
After decades approximately one-third of the seeds were still viable. In the well 
publicized cases such as the buried lotus seed in tombs, there’s no question that 
the seed has sprouted after at least 300 years, in some cases no doubt a thousand 
years.

The latest discussion on Beal’s work appeared in the April 1961 issue of the 
American Journal of Botany.

"THE LAWN BOOK" AVAILABLE AT SPECIAL RATES

Dr. Schery has announced that his new book, "The Lawn Book", is being made 
available to Institute members and associate members at special rates. Here is 
an excellent opportunity for the Institute membership to have this fine work for 
presentation to particular customers, prospects and friends. Please contact the 
Marysville office, should you care to place an order.

BRECK’S MENTIONS SEAL ON TELEVISION

Jim Shields of Breck’s of Boston recently "plugged" the Institute’s Seal of Ap­
proval over a television show on Channel 5, Boston, "The Whys and Wherefores 
of the Seal of Approval" appeared on the Joe Kelly Show as a public service 
program.

"SEED WORLD" CARRIES INSTITUTE ARTICLE

The April 28, 1961 issue of "Seed World" carries the Institute story, "Why Lawn 
Seed Mixtures, " which was prepared by Dr. Schery.

"FLOWER & GARDEN" USES INSTITUTE PICTURES

The May issue of "Flower & Garden" Magazine, a publication with a circulation of 
nearly 500,000, features two Institute-supplied photographs. These are used in 
a section "A Regional Focus on Summer Lawn Care." The Lawn Institute is listed 
in the credits of the issue.

SCHERY APPEARS IN MARYSVILLE

Dr. Schery was the guest speaker at the Marysville Garden Club (headquarters 
city fot the Institute), on April 27. He spoke in "Fertilizers and Their Proper

Use" and made Institute reprints available to those attending.

"AGRONOMY JOURNAL" RUNS STORIES ON TURFGRASS

The March-April 1961 issue of the "Agronomy Journal", contains three articles 
that have some bearing upon turfgrass, although the research was related to 
agricultural and pasture objectives. These three articles were "Differential 
Responses of Grasses and Legumes to Liming and Phosphorus Fertilization", by 
Shoop, Brooks, Blaser, and Thomas, in Virginia. This study, relating to the 
planting of roadsides, showed that grass (primarily tall fescue) and certain 
legumes, which were inhibited to almost no growth on the infertile, acid soils 
along the roadsides, could be benefitted greatly by both phosphorus application 
and lime application. It was interesting that to some extent either of these could 
substitute for the other; apparently lime applications were effective in making 
more phosphorus available, and may also have been helpful in that the amount of 
soluble aluminum (toxic) is reduced as lime is applied. Acidity per se seems not 
to be controlling, but an indicator of other effects; some species, such as redtop, 
were very tolerant of high acidity if ample phosphorus was made available.

The second article of some interest was "Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Emer­
gence and Seedling Growth of Forage Plants and Subsequent Production", by Ward 
and Blaser, again both of Virginia. Perhaps of interest and implied significance 
in turfgrass was the finding that the number of legume and grass plants (orchard- 
grass) emerging in a given area actually decreased as the amount of nitrogen 
increased. At very high rates of nitrogen grass populations were killed out en­
tirely. Nor was the nitrogen of particular usefulness to the plants in the first 
month of growth. Later yields, of course, correspond to available supplies of 
nitrogen.

The third article was "Effect of Different Nitrogen Levels on the Yield, Total 
Nitrogen Content, and Nitrogen Recovery of Six Grasses Grown Under Irrigation", 
by Dotzenko, of Colorado, As would be expected, the more nitrogen applied the 
greater the yield. But also the greater the nitrogen, the less its "efficiency", 
as measured by percentage of uptake by the plants. Thus at moderate fertiliza­
tion, about equivalent to that given most lawns in a single application, 40 to 70 
per cent of the nitrogen was recovered, with most grasses showing about 60 per 
cent of the nitrogen recoverable in the foliage. But when rates went up to 4 or 5 
times this amount of nitrogen, utilization dropped to 15-35 per cent, with most 
of them in the middle 20’s percentage-wise. There is nothing new in this finding, 
but it is interesting to have fundamental points re-emphasized from time to time, 
as guidance governing rates of fertilization for lawns as well as pastures. This 
study points out that anything higher than 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square 
feet (approximately the top generally recommended rate for lawn fertilizers) will 
engender luxury consumption, and hence entail some economic waste.

PUBLICATION PROMOTES MERCHANDISING

In the May, 1961 issue of "Agricultural Chemicals, " the story, "Home Garden 
Marketing Requires Qualified Dealers, " points out that grass seed is only one

of many facets with which merchandising and consumer usage is concerned. "It 
is nothing more than standard selling practice that a garden supply salesman 
should endeavor to send his customer away with a complete supply of fertilizers, 
pesticides, and tools in addition to the grass seed that originally brought the cus­
tomer into the store. Sales personnel, however, have an obligation to their em­
ployer and to their customers to provide sound advice and accurate answers to 
the customers’ questions about agricultural chemicals." The article goes on to 
point out how the home garden market is becoming big business, carries increas­
ing weight in consideration of major corporations.

CALIFORNIA CONGRESS SUMMARIZED

The following is a belated summary of the Fifteenth Annual American Horticultural 
Congress, held in Pasadena, California, late in 1960. This report appears on 
page 16 of the Proceedings of that program:

"The Lawn Institute continues its activities as a popularizer of research and 
technical information. It supports radio and television programs related to 
better lawns and has a film for loan, entitled ’Bluegrass Beauty’,

Regularly issued press kits go to a selected list of editors and garden writers. 
These are available to A.H.S. members on request.

"A seal of approval is to be available to reliable turf seed producers in 1961.
This seal is designed to stimulate upgrading of lawn seed mixtures offered to 
the public.

"The Lawn Book, prepared by the Institute, is scheduled for publication this 
winter or early spring 1961."

NPFI SEEKS SCHERY’S COMMENTS

Dr. Jess Garman of the National Plant Food Institute writes Dr. Schery:

"Would you please do us the favor of reviewing the enclosed script for our pro­
posed lawn movie? Your comments as to whether we are on the right track or 
not will be most helpful.

"Perhaps our No. 1 objective is an attempt to motivate homeowners to do some­
thing about having a better lawn. Of course, the quality and nature of the shots 
will play a big part in whether or not the film is successful in this regard."

DU PONT RELEASE MENTIONS BLUEGRASS-FESCUE

A recent release through du Pont’s Product Information Service is a good example 
of how the Institute’s story seems to be getting across to industry. The release 
itself is designed to publicize chemical products, but the interesting part is that 
it is taken for granted that they will be used on bluegrass and fescue which are 
the only grasses named - as though there were no other type of lawn. The 
references are:

".. .But don’t apply so much water that it floods the soil surface. This will mat 
the grass and make it more susceptible to fungus diseases. Red fescues, for 
example, are easily killed by overwatering.

"Water only when needed. Some thumb rules are: Sandy soils need watering 
more often than loams or clay soils. Bluegrass requires more water than fes­
cues. Space waterings as far apart as possible. Moisten the full depth of the root 
zone of the grass..."

BLUEGRASS-FESCUE MENTION IN "HORTICULTURAL NEWSLETTER"

Evidence that bluegrass and fescue are becoming household words within the 
gardening fraternity as indicators of quality is this quote from the May 8, 1961 
issue of “The Horticultural Newsletter".

"Even though spring is the time of the year when home owners have most zest for 
gardening, spring is not the best time for making a lawn, especially in the north­
ern half of the country. Here the bluegrasses and fescues are the choicest 
grasses for lawn making and they both prefer cool nights for active development. 
If either is sown in the spring, it scarcely starts to grow before hot weather 
arrives which checks its growth and permits aggressive weeds to take over the 
lawn...."

"HORTICULTURAL NEWSLETTER" CARRIES SEAL STORY

The March 6, 1961 issue of "The Horticultural Newsletter" carried the following 
reference to the Institute’s Seal. "The Lawn Institute, of which Dr. R. W. Schery 
is director, is prepared to award a Seal of Approval to those lawn seed mixtures 
which qualify. At least 75% of the pure seed content must be of perennial and 
long lasting seed. They must be fine textured with narrow leaf blades and they 
must be of grasses able to spread and form turf rather than becoming clumpy.
The Lawn Institute emphasizes that its seal is only general assurance that proper 
types of grass seeds are contained in sufficient quantity to produce a permanent 
lawn...."

IOWA TURFGRASS CONFERENCE SUMMARIZED

The following is Dr. Schery’s summary of the week-long Iowa Turfgrass Con­
ference held recently:

One item that has caused a lot of conversation in recent years, is the hypothetical 
repressant in ryegrass, that seems to set back establishment of other grasses.
It has never been entirely clear whether there is some secretion which causes 
this, or whether it is merely the mechanical interference that ryegrass has in 
"getting there fustest with the mostest". Tests in the germinators here of a few 
years ago showed that there was no substance in the ryegrass seed itself that 
repressed the sprouting of bluegrass or fescue, when these were planted side by 
side; or when crushed up leaves of ryegrass were applied near the germinating 
bluegrass seed. In the report on this research made by one of Dr. Roberts’

graduate students, the Lawn Institute research on this matter was referred to. 
Dr. Roberts also gave credit to the Lawn Institute for previous grants.

Another phase of Iowa State University research relates to fertilizing turfgrass. 
Chemical analysis of bluegrass foliage in turf plots indicate a balance of 10-2-5 
in the N-P-K ratio, 4-2-4 for the same nutrients in the sod as a whole, and 6-2-1 
for the roots. This research tends to support Purdue’s contention that more 
phosphorus is being employed in fertilizers in general than is needed.

Another interesting concept was that voiced by Dr. Shurtleff, In general he 
follows the Lawn Institute thinking, that disease is more rampant under high 
fertility conditions than under low fertility. Delicate considerations of balance 
of fertility elements, are of course involved. The newer idea is that disease is 
not due to one organism or one "disease" as such, but results from a complex 
of different parasites working in tandem on the grass. If the grass is weakened, 
it opens the way for one or another of these to cause trouble, seconded by the 
others. It might be likened to a mass attack of an army, involving different 
weaponry elements.

PROPOSE CONTINUED AND EXPANDED "BLUEGRASS BEAUTY"
CIRCULATION

The Executive Committee has approved releasing "Bluegrass Beauty", the Insti­
tute-produced film to teen-age audiences. This group not only has tremendous 
influence on adult purchases, but will also in a very few years be making buying 
decisions for its own properties. The Institute has an investment in this film -- 
and it seemed wise to capitalize on it to the fullest. Mr. Bill Oard of Modern 
Talking Pictures, distributing organization which handles the circulation of the 
film, says:

"One of the peculiar things about motion pictures, and a feature that is generally 
not too well understood, is that they are a relatively long-lived asset. We are 
handling something over 600 different titles at the present time, some with a 
great many prints in circulation, and others rather small. However, we find 
that our average program runs for at least five years. One notable exception to 
this general rule, of course, are films about automobiles, appliances, and other 
things subject to annual model changes. We have one veteran film that has been 
with us for something over 14 years, with 325 prints in circulation, and it still 
turns in nearly 10,000 bookings annually!

'Bluegrass Beauty' should be a relatively timeless picture, unless there is some 
important change in either the product or the processes illustrated. This, of 
course, is an advantage to you, since it means that you can continue to enjoy a 
return from your investment in film production for a good many years to come, if 
you so choose. Also, the longer you distribute the film, the less is your net cost 
per viewer, since your production cost is written off over an ever increasing 
audience."

INSTITUTE GETS REPRINT REQUEST FROM ENGLAND

An example that the Institute is being heard of 'round the world is the recent re­
quest from A.R.C. Unit of Experimental Agronomy, Information Section, Depart­
ment of Agriculture, Parks Road, Oxford, England. The group asks for a reprint 
of "Weeding Lawns" as it appeared in the New York Botanical Garden Journal.

STAINED CALIBRATION SAMPLES AVAILABLE

As the A.O.S.A. Rules Committee has recommended adoption of the Uniform 
Blowing Procedure to the A.O.S.A., to become official July 1, 1961. The Uni­
form Blowing method will enable processors who do not have analysts to run at 
least approximate purities on bluegrass seed. This may be of considerable 
importance. Mr. Jacklin reported at the ASTA meetings that an untrained hand 
never deviated more than 2/10% (0.2%) from official tests. It necessitates buying 
a blower and a "Uniform Calibration" sample. The cost of the sample is $20.00 
from:

Mr. Dwight D. Forsyth 
Secretary, A.O.S.A.
Wisconsin State Seed Lab.
Room 305, Agronomy Building 
Madison 6, Wisconsin

Instructions for operation and calibration of blowers are available through 
A.O.S.A.

NPFI PLUGS KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS-OREGON FESCUES

The National Plant Food Institute produced an Encyclopaedia Britannica Television 
Featurette entitled "Have an Improved Lawn This Year". Quotes from the TV 
script, which was reviewed by Dr. Schery, emphasize the Institute objectives:

"The cool season grasses such as Kentucky and Merion bluegrass, and the red 
fescues, such as Pennlawn, Illahee -- can be seeded in the Middle Atlantic, New 
England and Midwestern states in March or April."

"Remember, Homer, always get a good mixture; you know, the Lawn Institute 
seal is a good thing to look for in buying grass seed. Be sure to read the direc­
tions, too --."

SCHERY VISITS JUSKA

Here are the high points of Dr. Schery’s recent visit with Dr. Felix Juska, in 
charge of turfgrass research for the USDA, Beltsville, Maryland.

"Although bluegrass varieties are still under test, the search for new types has 
now shifted largely to the fescues. Among the tall fescues spreading strains are 
being uncovered, but nothing that looks very attractive yet. Juska agrees with the

Institute evaluation, that tall fescues don’t belong in lawns, Juska feels that even 
for out-of-the-way lawn areas that tall fescue should not be used, at least until 
they can uncover varieties which will not clump the way present selections do.

"As to the red fescues, two tacks are currently being taken. One is extensive 
planting in dense shade on poor soil, to uncover varieties and selections that 
can withstand this adversity. It is obvious that certain plants are withstanding 
the shade tribulations better than others, and may (after a period of many years) 
be translated into marketable seed supplies.

"The second tack is the search for a red fescue relatively resistant to disease, 
but which spreads well by rhizomes, approaching the vaunted ability of bluegrass 
in this respect. It is evident in the extensive acreage where space plantings have 
been made that a number of selections are much better rhizomers than are others. 
Also a number of the selections green up a little earlier than do others, and may 
be a genetic source for future improvement.

"The approach with the red fescues is to produce three or four outstanding selec­
tions, which might then be mixed to produce a "synthetic" first generation seed 
to be marketed under certification to the home owner. This would require spe­
cialized growing in fields isolated from other fescue, and it of course would 
require a premium price in terms of a consumer product. Whatever results come 
from this, seed supplies are several years away.

"I sensed a diminishing enthusiasm from Merion, as compared to other bluegrass 
varieties. The reason is that the average individual does not have the knowledge 
or interest in the intense care that Merion requires. Well taken care of, Juska 
feels that Merion is still one of the best bluegrasses; but he does not recommend 
it without qualification, when inquiries are received at the Station.

"Currently under test is a rapidity-of-germination on bluegrasses. Park lives 
up to its reputation as a fast sprouter, being among the first in the tests. But 
it is no better than the heavy weight seed of natural Kentucky bluegrass, Juska 
finds no difference eventually between Park and natural Kentucky bluegrass.

"There are fairly extensive tests outdoors of bluegrasses imported from Europe, 
to see if these measure up to domestic sources. So far there are no difficulties 
in survival, although it is recognized that these seeds tend to carry with them 
some of the species we consider weeds (such as Poa annua). This study is to 
develop information in case there is ever needed testimony such as for tariff 
purposes.

"It is interesting that some of the selections of red fescue have leaf blade widths 
much broader than usual, about equivalent to Kentucky bluegrass. Juska hypoth­
esizes that these will make excellent companions, texturally speaking, for blue- 
grass-red fescue seed mixtures. At the moment his recommendations are for 
the bluegrass-red fescue combination, with little or no additional components. 
This is in line with Institute thinking.

"Among other studies being made are bluegrass response to fertility elements, in 
which preliminary results indicate the desirability of high phosphate content in 
the soil, higher than is customarily accorded. Where all nutrients are lacking, 
phosphorus seems even more important than do other elements for the initial 
establishment of a good stand of bluegrass. This is very interesting, in that it 
is opposed to the current idea (such as is prevailing at Purdue) that phosphatic 
fertilization is overdone.

"The results with pre-emergence crabgrass controls still indicate that the major­
ity of these are detrimental to new seedings of desirable grasses. Of grass 
species tried, tall fescue is the least sensitive to the crabgrass chemicals.

"Other studies have supported the prevailing belief that there is appreciable root 
growth of bluegrass in winter; that more and better roots (per tiller of plant) 
develop under higher, less frequent mowing; and that heavy spring fertilization 
is to be avoided for its tendency to increase disease in the lawn in spring."

DR. SCHERY REPORTS ON CONTACT WITH AMCHEM

The following is Dr. Schery’s report on his visit with the Amchem Corporation 
(formerly American Chemical Paint Co.) in Ambler, Pennsylvania:

"Chief agricultural field of endeavor for Amchem is herbicides. They are par­
ticularly strong in growth regulators, and hold many of the basic patents concern­
ing 2, 4-D. Amino triazole is one of their more recent introductions that has 
received wide publicity, and is the basis of a general lawn eradicant to say nothing 
of having received wide acclaim in the "cranberry scare" of some months ago.

"Amchem has perhaps the "hottest" item among the new pre-emergence Crab­
grass preventers. This is one of the arsonates, calcium propyl arsonate to be 
more specific. Used as lightly as 1-1/2 pounds per thousand square feet (com­
pared to 15 or more pounds for calcium arsenate), this is said to effectively pre­
vent Crabgrass from starting, as well as killing young Crabgrass which has al­
ready appeared.

"Moreover, desirable grasses such as bluegrass and red fescue are said to be 
able to be planted into a lawn treated with the product. This remarkable feature 
is the main advantage claimed over such other effective pre-emergence controls 
as Zytron and Dacthal. In Lawn Institute tests, the Amchem pre-emergent did 
not prevent most annual weeds other than Crabgrass, such as foxtail.

"Amchem people feel that the field of garden chemicals has scarcely been ex­
ploited yet. They see hordes of new chemicals being discovered and applied for 
specific purposes, with improvements and price break-throughs influential in 
public acceptance during the years ahead. With the situation already so confused 
that even an expert can’t keep track of all the chemicals and their usage, Amchem 
feels that an independent organization to keep tab on all of this should find a worth 
while place."

QUOTES FROM SCHERY ARTICLE IN BH&G GARDEN BOOK

The following items are quoted from the Better Homes & Gardens "New Garden 
Book", chapter on Lawns. Dr. Schery had responsibility for developing this 
material for the publication. The chapter opens with "Lawns: Know Your 
Grasses", headed by an attractive map in color. Then the sub-heading "Grasses 
For the North" is followed by this text:

"The standard of excellence for most Northern areas has long been Kentucky blue­
grass for lawns and general turf, bentgrasses for specialty turfs accorded such 
attention as golf greens receive. While Kentucky bluegrass performs well alone, 
most quality seed mixtures include some red fescue varieties, which accommodate 
to dryish, poor soil and shaded areas. For most purposes it’s best to buy a seed 
mixture high in Kentucky bluegrass (over 40 per cent) and one which lacks the 
rough textured common ryegrass.

"A variety, with restricted heredity, may require more specific care than the 
less uniform parent types. Thus, natural Kentucky bluegrass, embracing many 
assortments, supplied plants adapted to the entire bluegrass zone; selected 
varieties may have a more restricted range (Merion does well in the Great Lakes 
area, poorly in the southern portions of the bluegrass zone). When diseases 
evolve to which a pure variety is susceptible, this pure variety may lack the 
resistant ’off-types’ of a variable population,"

There then follows a discussion of the bluegrasses, fescues, and other species.
A later section, "New Lawns: Starting from Seed" is headed by our photograph 
with Kentucky bluegrass seed. The caption with the photograph reads:

"RIGHT: KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS - The amount of lawn area coverage you get 
with a grass seed mixture depends on seed size or the number of seeds per pound, 
the climate, and characteristics, of grass spread. Most 'cheap seed’ really isn’t 
cheap. There actually are 8 times as many seeds per pound of bluegrass as there 
are per pound of rye.

"LEFT: RYE GRASS - Rye is a so-called 'cheap seed’. There are over 2 million 
bluegrass seeds per pound compared to 250,000 rye seeds. So, plant for plant, 
bluegrass is cheaper, and provides greater permanency and a more extensive 
root system,"

"The red fescue group includes in addition to 'creeping red’, the improved vari­
eties mostly from Oregon such as Chewings, Illahee, Rainier, Pennlawn, and 
others. All are excellent companions for Kentucky bluegrass. — They survive 
well in shade, with little water and fertilizer. Lawn fescues enjoy the same 
general maintenance as does bluegrass, such as reasonably high mowings and 
autumn feeding,"

Again on page 42 the admonishment: "Be certain to check the seed listing on the 
box to make sure it contains a mixture of permanent grasses (bluegrasses and 
lawn fescues for the North). "

QUOTES FROM THE PRESS

"-- tests with natural Kentucky bluegrass, widely harvested throughout the Mid­

west — have shown beyond doubt that suitable blends are widely adaptable.

The Cincinnati Inquirer

"At present, with all things considered, it appears best to stick with Kentucky 
bluegrass as the main part of your bluegrass mixture -- Merion, for instance 
has been found to be susceptible to rust."

The Dubuque, Iowa Telegraph-Herald

"In choosing seed mixtures for a new lawn common Kentucky bluegrass is probably 
the best to use for Meigs county areas. A mixture of common Kentucky bluegrass 
and red fescue, 50% of each, would be desirable. It is important that red fescue 
be secured rather than the common field type of fescue."

The Athens, Ohio Messenger

COMMENTS FAVOR SCHERY'S "THE LAWN BOOK"

Here are several remarks which have been received about Dr. Schery’s "The 
Lawn Book", which was published this spring by the Macmillan Company:

"This is the most important and most complete book on lawns which has ever been 
issued in this country to my knowledge .... "  — Harry O’Brien

Columbus Dispatch 
Columbus, Ohio

"By the way, want to thank you for the Lawn Book recently sent us. It is not only 
most interesting but beautifully gotten up. We would think every one interested in 
lawns should own one."

"I certainly appreciate receiving a copy of The Lawn Book. I wish that I had 
authored it. I predict that the book will have a wide use."

-- Paris, Kentucky

-- Dr. R. R. Davis

Professor of Agronomy 
Ohio Agricultural Experiment

Station

"In the mail today I have received the complimentary copy of The Lawn Book from 
the Institute and although I have not, of course, read it as yet, have gone through 
it page by page and felt that I should drop you a note and tell you I think it is 
terrific. I think the layout is good, it looks highly readable, the graphs, charts, 
and drawings are tremendous. You certainly deserve very fine compliments for

this piece of work. I assure you I will get to reading it soon. I know it will be of 
extreme interest to me."

-- New Haven, Connecticut

"I just want to write and say how much I admire the job you have done in The 
Lawn Book. There is very little in it I can take issue with -- and that, in the 
lawn business means that either we are both very right, or very wrong. In any 
event, we see pretty much eye to eye. The illustrations deserve comment. They 
are particularly good, especially the turfgrass and weed drawings."

— Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"We also wish, at this time, to thank you for the complimentary copy of The Lawn 
Book and at the same time to congratulate you on this fine piece of work. We know 
that it will be helpful and will be put to use on many occasions."

-- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"Your new book was received this week, and I am about in the middle and find it 
very interesting, I am sure it will be a 'best-seller’. I just noticed in the new 
issue of the Seedsmen’s Digest that Dr. Wise of Mississippi U, has authored 
a book by Bowen Press, and entitled THE LAWN BOOK. I suppose you fellows 
will have to match to see who gets the title, but I would favor you for you are at 
least on the market. I just thought I would write you a few lines and tell you how 
much I enjoyed your book so far, and I am sure it will make good reading for 
homeowners and the professional turfmen alike."

-- Akron, Ohio

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ASKS FOR RELEASES

The Lawn Institute received a letter from Jennings Wood, Chief of the Exchange 
and Gift Division of the Library of Congress. He would like sent to the Gift 
Section, Exchange and Gift Division, Library of Congress, Washington 25, D.C., 
all releases and publications which the Lawn Institute makes, "in order that such 
publications will be available for research use of the Federal community and 
others who use the research collections of the Library."

NEW GRADUATE ASKS SCHERY FOR HELP

Jack M. Brown, Walled Lake, Michigan has written Dr. Schery requesting turf­
grass information. Mr. Brown indicates that as soon as he graduates from 
Pennsylvania State University in turfgrass management, he will be employed as 
golf course superintendent at Twin Beach Country Club, Walled Lake, Michigan.

"CROPS & SOILS" MAGAZINE USES PHOTOGRAPH

One of the Lawn Institute’s photographs was carried in the February, 1961 issue 
of "Crops & Soils", with credit to the Institute. This was the photo issued on

spraying the roadsides, obtained originally through the Oregon Fescue Commis­
sion. It was used in conjunction with an article by Richardson and Diseker entitled 
"Roadside Mulches".

"CONCEPT" ARTICLE BY SCHERY BRINGS PRAISE

Dick Kuehner of the Oregon Fine Fescue Commission has written "Concept" 
Magazine after reviewing Schery’s recent article in that publication:

"We appreciate the splendid treatment you have given the articles from the Better 
Lawn and Turf Institute, written by Dr. Robert Schery. The Oregon Fine-Leaf 
Fescue Commission, while dedicated to the interest of the growers of the Oregon 
grown Fine Leaved Fescues, is a supporter of the Lawn and Turf Institute because 
of their splendid program of furnishing reliable information in this field. We feel 
that they are doing a distinct service and we are very happy in your recognition of 
the material furnished by the Institute."

CHAIRMAN'S QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY SCHERY

The Chairman of a Greens Committee inquired of Dick Kuehner about winter 
seeding of fescue, in the Middlesboro, Kentucky area. Dick referred the matter 
to Dr. Schery. Kuehner writes Mr. Hoe, of Middlesboro, Kentucky:

"I am sure that Dr, Schery will be able to answer your questions as he travels 
extensively in the various areas in the country and has close contact with the 
leading turf people."

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RECEIVES PHOTOGRAPHS FROM INSTITUTE

Dr. Schery has sent a selection of 6 color photographs to Dr. Malcolm Shurtleff, 
for cover illustration on a lawn disease booklet being published through Iowa State 
University.

HOME & GARDEN EDITOR ASKS TO REPRINT SCHERY STORY

Gloria Gould, editor of "Home & Garden" section of the Boston Sunday Herald, 
wrote to Dr. Schery asking permission to reprint the revised article adapted 
from "Horticulture." She says, "If these are approved by you - and I hope they 
are - or if you have better additions or substitutions, would you return this copy 
to me immediately -- so we could publish the article just as soon as possible.
It really is a beauty!"

SEAL OF APPROVAL MAKES FRONT PAGE

The March 8 issue of "Seed Trade News" carried a report on the introduction of 
the Lawn Institute's Seal of Approval. Included with the story was the picture and 
cutline, showing Dr. Schery and the seed analysis process.

"STATE JOURNAL" COVERS SEAL STORY

Over a half page of the Sunday gardening section of "The State Journal" (Lansing, 
Michigan) was used to display the Seal of Approval story sent out by the Institute. 
Also included in this feature were the two photographs, showing the contrast in 
grasses, and the examining of seeds in the laboratory.

"NORTHWEST GARDEN SUPPLIER" FEATURES SEAL STORY

The May 16 issue of "Northwest Garden Supplier" gave prominent space to the 
news release on the Institute’s Seal of Approval. The cover picture was supplied 
by the Institute and was captioned: "Where a top quality lawn mix really pays off." 
A featured point of the story was the listing of the firms which are currently using 
the Seal of Approval, This publication is received by over 3,000 garden supply 
people in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Montana.

TV FEATURETTE STARS THE INSTITUTE’S SEAL

The following script will give Institute members and associate members an idea 
of the type of handling the Institute’s Seal of Approval is receiving in the new 
Encyclopaedia Britannica featurette. This slide presentation was supplied to 
leading television stations throughout the country.

VIDEO
Slide #1 
#2

#3

#4

#5

AUDIO
I think today we’re going to find Homer suffering from a little case 
advanced spring fever. So even though winter is still hanging around, 
now’s the time to begin planning for that perfect lawn. Good lawn 
seed can be sown on frozen soil — yes, even on snow — where it 
settles down into the small pits that frost leaves. Of course it won’t 
sprout until temperatures warm, but at least it’s planted and ready to 
go before all the spring chores are upon you. So it’s none too soon 
to begin laying in the supplies. ---

And that isn’t a haphazard operation any more. Merchants in the 
seed business have lots more knowledge of their products than they 
used to have.

They are actually trained representatives of the manufacturer, dis­
pensing knowledge along with the product. This had to happen -- 
because you and I can’t tell good seed from poor seed — until we’ve 
planted it -- then we know! -- and sometimes to our sorrow!

So the better merchants have come around to demanding better seed. 
And the seedsmen themselves identify quality seed by permitting it 
to use this Seal of Approval of the Lawn Institute. This seal means 
the grasses in the mixture give reasonable assurance of a permanent 
lawn for the climate where that mixture is sole.

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

#11

#12

#13

#14

#15

#16

It isn’t a brand name. You’ll find it on many brands. But it means 
the seeds of that brand shape up. They are useful for the climate 
where that brand is offered. You can still pick and choose among 
many brands.

You see, not every grass type is appropriate to every climate. In 
this map, note that bluegrass and red fescues prefer coolish tempera­
ture zones I through 3 — and in zone 3 they need the extra attention 
of high mowing. In warmer areas, from zone 4 southward, you’d 
choose the Bermudas.

Actually, your own yard has a variety of local climate zones, and 
that’s one reason good seed provides a variety of types. The Lawn 
Institute’s seal watches over such mixtures, too.

Seed mixtures bearing the seal must be at least 75% pure seed that’s 
first of all, perennial -- robust and long-lasting for the climate where 
it’s offered.

It must be attractive, of a desirable color and texture -- the kind you 
really want close up in your front yard.

And it must be capable of spreading into a sod, to make a tight turf 
that will itself heal any injuries.

For the area roughly north of a line from Atlanta to Wichita, this will 
mean quality mixtures mostly of bluegrass and the elite varieties of 
red fescue that are so carefully produced in Oregon. ---

Grasses that grow by the spread of rhizomes beneath the ground.

And right now, Homer, is the time to review those essential steps in 
the creation of a new lawn or maintenance of an established one.

First choose really good seed, appropriate for the location where 
you live. As we have seen, not everyone is an expert on seed, but 
the Lawn Institute seal of approval is public assurance by the packager 
of responsibility for a worthwhile product that can make a permanent 
lawn. Second is fertilizer. Any plant takes nutriments from the soil 
Grass does. To keep your lawn healthy, feed it. Fertilize either 
before or as you seed.

Mowing is really gratifying, healthful exercise. It’s fun, if you have 
good equipment and do it right. Most homeowners spend more time on 
their lawns than on any other task around the house. Make it a pleas­
ure by choosing a sturdy mower big enough to get the lawn finished 
quickly. Above all, don’t scalp your lawn by setting the mower too low. 
Set it at least 1-1/2" high. Even a little higher in southern areas of 
the bluegrass zone.

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Last, keep the weeds down. In this modern day, using a weed killer -- 
one you spray, spread, or tip on -- is becoming as routine as fer­
tilizing. It helps achieve a flawless, unblemished lawn.

And it all starts here, with the proper seed, of the proper quality, 
designed for the climate where you live.

Well, the sun’s come out again, Homer -- and as you were thinking, 
it isn’t too early to get going on that lawn!

So it’s off to the seed dealer, huh, Homer? Well, here's wishing you 
many pleasant weekends this summer as you build up that turf to a 
picture of green perfection.

This is the seal used by seed processors and dealers to indicate 
quality seed for the climate where you live.

And this feature came to you as a service from our friends at the 
fount of all knowledge -- the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING..............

"Thank you very much for the information you sent to me in your letter of April 
19th. I am sure that it will be of great value to me in writing my report on lawn 
seed marketing. I have read several of your articles. The information in them 
is precisely what I am looking for...."

Lawrence Paul Straub 
New York

"We have received the three press release kits and letter telling us that Farm 
Store Merchandising is being added to the Lawn Institute’s release list. We 
appreciate this courtesy very much and we expect to be using some of your 
material in the future. Many of our dealer-readers sell lawn seeds and the helps 
and hints you provide will be useful information in our editorial columns."

Emmet J. Hoffman, Editor 
Farm Store Merchandising 
Minneapolis 40, Minnesota

"Thank you for the letter -- and enclosed literature covering the wonderful job 
you are doing in making people more lawn conscious."

C. G. Wilson 
Milwaukee 1, Wisconsin

"I certainly will appreciate any material which you can send me during the coming 
years. I appreciate your cooperation."

Leroy J. Higgins 
U. of New Hampshire 
Durham, New Hampshire

"Thanks for your March 8th letter relative to the featurette on lawn fertilization 
and management. Your interest in this activity, and your splendid cooperation 
all along the line, are very greatly appreciated."

Jess Garman
National Plant Food Institute

"I can not tell you how much I value the information written by you. Perhaps the 
reason I like it is that I completely agree with what you write and it has given me 
more confidence in my own writing and lecturing. I am also pleased to note that 
you are planning a Seal of Approval in lawn grass seeds. My husband carries 
garden supplies and seeds and we have had such bad experiences lately with 
them...."

Mrs. George L. Doolittle 
American Rose Society

"First of all, let me compliment you on the fine presentation given at the recent 
Turf Conference at Ames, Iowa. I happened to be one of the members of the 
audience that enjoyed completely 'The future of turf grasses’ and 'What’s in store 
for the mower manufacturers’. I am sure that these conferences are most help­
ful to the members in attendance as well as for the manufacturers of equipment.

"Should you happen to be anywhere near Racine, Wisconsin, during your travels, 
we would enjoy very much talking with you. If there is any special assistance 
we can give you or you have any suggestions for us, we would be very happy to 
discuss them with you."

Roger J. Thomas
Jacobsen Manufacturing Company

"Your part in the success of our 1961 Turfgrass Short Course is greatfully 
acknowledged. . . We do appreciate your efforts in this regard and wish you to 
know that we believe we speak for all those present when we congratulate you on 
a job well done."

Eliot C. Roberts 
Iowa State University

"It would have done your heart good to have seen the response to the Lawn 
Institute Seal of Approval which was exhibited at our meeting.

"You will probably recall that this was a meeting of the Western Seed Control 
Officials. On april 4th you wrote me and sent me materials covering the Seal 
of Approval and copies of information on the climax blowing point. These helped 
very much in preparing my remarks for the meeting.

"The display of the Seal of Approval which you sent was put up in front of the 
podium for the remainder of the day after I spoke and for the following day. I 
also distributed the mimeographed sheets on the Seal of Approval. Thank you for 
sending all of this material to me."

Louisa A. Jensen 
Oregon State College