BETTER LAWN -- HARVESTS

Published periodically by 
Better Lawn & Turf Institute

Volume 15, No. 1

ANNUAL MEETING PLANS

Office of the Director 
Route 4, Kimberdale
Marysville, Ohio 43040

April, 1968

President Mangelsdorf has tentatively set Tuesday, May 21, for the Lawn In­
stitute Annual Meeting, at the Kansas City Club, Kansas City, Missouri. The 
agenda has not been finalized as yet, but the meeting generally begins around 
9:30 in the morning, and terminates by midafternoon. Mr. Mangelsdorf asked 
that word be sent him immediately if there are conflicts that would make this 
date inconvenient.

President Mangelsdorf has nominated Col. Edward Spears, Woodford, Spears and 
Sons, Paris, Kentucky as chairman of the nominating committee. He asks that 
members of the board of trustees or other interested parties submit sugges­
tions to Mr. Spears for officers to be elected at the annual meeting.

Further details and a tentative agenda will be sent all trustees at a future 
date, and the Marysville office would be pleased to hear from any other mem­
bers planning to attend the annual meeting.

PRESS KIT MAILED

On February 12 approximately 900 of the familiar Lawn Institute press kits 
were mailed to a select list of newspapers, extension people and radio-TV 
outlets, mainly in the northeastern quarter of the country. Members, of 
course, received a kit by way of example, and in the hope that this might 
be passed along to local informational channels.

For the first time the kit was produced in Ohio instead of Kansas City, Mis­
souri. This was partly necessitated by a death interfering with the service 
usually engaged in Kansas City, and partly because of the need for increasing 
economy in view of the limited Institute budget. Production and mailing costs 
were shaved by adopting single-spacing on this occasion, even though the ad­
vantages of double-spacing are recognized. It was felt that the Institute 
press kit has become sufficiently familiar to recipients so that it will be 
accorded attention, editors knowing that the items have been thoroughly worked 
over and probably in need of a minimum of customizing. This is difficult to 
check upon without funds for an opinion survey or clipping service comparable 
to that engaged in the past.

We are grateful to president Mangelsdorf for having arranged the printing of 
the standard green-grass folders and envelopes in St. Louis, upon very short 
notice. These were received in Marysville within 24 hours of printing, sent 
by bus. Copy for enclosure awaited the folders in Marysville, reproduced

economically in Columbus directly from text carefully typed by Mrs. Rush at 
the Institute office. Additional hired services were engaged to complete 
folding, labeling, stuffing and stamping. In addition to the covering letter 
(on specially printed, inexpensive letterhead), there were 9 pages of text 
representing 33 individual titles (ranging in length from a full page single­
spaced, to as little as a single sentence), and 2 substantuating reprints, 
"The Lawnmaker’s Year” and "Select Seed Wisely”.

FIRST PRESS CLIPPING IN

The first press usage of Institute material for 1968 of which we are aware, is 
in the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin of February 16. Claude Gray unearthed in­
formation from last year’s release (and writes that he is most grateful for 
the new information, too), relating to fertilization of Kentucky bluegrass and 
fine fescue early in the season. Frequent mention of Kentucky bluegrass and 
fine fescue was made as well as a resume of the Lawn Institute’s Seal of Approval.

MORE PRESS CLIPPINGS

A group of early February press clippings was sent to the Marysville office 
by Borden Chemical, reflecting use by Earl Arnson of information sent him, in 
which he again credits the Lawn Institute by name. A pickup of this publicity 
was noted in Maine, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania rather widely, Maryland, 
Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky and North Carolina.

PRESS RELEASE APPEARS

We are very pleased with the prominence accorded Institute materials in the 
press release ’’Beautify Your Corner of America”, co-sponsored by ASTA and 
florists groups. The material is issued in "clip sheet” form, of exact column 
size to fit newspapers. This supplement is said to have been used last spring 
by 365 newspapers with a combined circulation of over 16 million, according 
to the Washington, D.C. advertising firm responsible for its production. Our 
clipping service verified last year that there was considerable pick up of 
the two stories the Institute then supplied, and this year should be even 
better what with 5 different items being included. Especially prominent is 
a Lawn Institute photograph that is featured at the top of the first page in 
three column widths, with the caption ’’Feed and seed your lawn as early as 
possible this spring, advises the Lawn Institute. Seeding provides a thicker 
stand, and fertilization assures the vigor of new grass before hot weather 
weeds can provide competition. ”

The stories that were prepared by the Institute ranged from a double column 
spread of about 12 column inches under the headline "Grass Seed Now Available 
for All Lawn Conditions”, to a short item of about 2 column inches entitled 
"Kentucky Bluegrass Popular for Lawns”, both smack on the first page. On the 
second page is "Seed Your Lawn Early”, on the third "You Can Grow Grass Under 
Shade Trees”, and on the back page "Pedigree Bentgrass Good for Moist Soil”, 
all of these of intermediate length. We anticipate favorable adoption of these 
stories throughout the country during the spring season, at no cost to the 
Institute.

The opening story begins, "Never has there been finer lawnseed in wider choice, 
especially for the home lawn, says Dr. Robert W. Schery, Director of the Lawn 
Institute”. The story goes on to point out that varieties exist for all con­
ceivable conditions, now clearly labeled for certainty that the contents will 
be fine-textured. Varieties that are prominently available are named for 
Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues and bentgrass ("Highland is the most widely 
used of the colonial bents, backed by Astoria, Exeter, Holfior and others.")

Exerpts from some of the other stories: "Bluegrass is synonymous with beauti­
fication, providing an attractive backdrop for home, garden and roadside.”
"Where Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and bentgrass are the lawn mainstays, 
cool weather favors them more than the weeds.” "Properly blended lawnseed, 
combined with stepped-up feeding and high mowing, generally allows the luxury 
of both tree and turf, == stalwarts as the fine fescues --". "True-to-type
bentgrass seed at one time was not readily available, but all that has changed.
A select hybrid, Penncross, provides some of the best golf greens in the country 
from seeding, -- And colonial bentgrasses, such as Highland, Holfior, Exeter 
and Astoria, make economical, more easily-cared-for turf for lawn and fairway.”

PRESS KITS REQUESTED

The spring press kits seem to have been well received. It is always flatter­
ing to have additional requests from seats of learning, such as from the Univer­
sity of Vermont for additional copies. It makes us feel as though we are 
achieving the goal of offering sound information, popularly expressed.

STORY IN AMERICAN HOME

The April issue of American Home carried the story "Have a Lawn You Can Play 
On” from text supplied by Dr. Schery. The considerable editing that always 
takes place in such ”big time” magazines inevitably allows a few errors and 
changes of implication to creep in, but the main gist of the story is main­
tained. A colored photo showing children playing badminton on a home lawn 
headed the story on the top 2/3 of the opening page.

The story emphasizes that a play lawn today can look just as well as a "show” 
lawn, by planting it to adaptable types of fine-textured grass and managing 
them according to their needs. Merion Kentucky bluegrass, Penncross and High­
land bentgrasses are specifically cited.

There follows more detailed discussion by section of country, and 2 charts, 
one listing northern varieties, the other southern. Not all varieties could 
be named, but most of the ones that are commercially available are cited at 
least in the charts. A couple of typographical slips mar the later text, 
but these have been corrected in reprinting. Since other reprints technically 
more under Institute control provide this information a bit more precisely, 
reprinting was scheduled chiefly to serve in press kits, and for handouts 
where a home magazine may afford more prestige than a technical one.

SUPPLEMENT STORIES MAILED

Each member was mailed a photocopy of the 5 stories prepared by the Lawn 
Institute for the ASTA-sponsored supplement sent nationally to 365 newspapers, 
with a combined circulation of more than 16.5 million.

INSTITUTE STORY IN ROSE ANNUAL

The 1968 American Rose Annual appeared in early March, containing the In­
stitute story, "Seed and Feed to Hex the Weed". Lester Satterlee, president 
of the American Rose Society, describes the annual as "this, our prize 
production." The lawn story, authored by Dr. Schery and credited to the 
Lawn Institute, covers 9 pages, including 5 tables. Since the item should 
be influential in future press kits, and valuable as a handout, reprinting 
is being undertaken.

The story emphasizes that there are two main considerations for success 
with a lawn, -- (1) good choice of grass, and (2) aides to its growth. 
Fine-textured grasses are recommended, the growth of Kentucky bluegrasses, 
fine fescues and leading bentgrasses characterized. "Even a small percentage 
of something like tall fescue in an all fine-textured mix introduces a lot 
of trouble", is one conclusion voiced.

LAWN STORY APPEARS

"How to Start a New Lawn in the Spring" is a by-line story crediting the Lawn 
Institute, appearing in the spring issue of the Nutro Guide to a Better Turf 
and Garden. Colored illustrations, one of them taken on the Institute grounds, 
set off the text. Preparation of such stories is part of the working arrange­
ment with Borden Chemical Company, which contributes to Institute grounds main­
tenance and office overhead. The story, of course, recommended usage of fine- 
textured grasses; it is not, however, being reprinted for Institute distribu­
tion.

STORY IN "BETTER CROPS"

The Institute is pleased to have had the invitation to place a story in the 
lead-off 1968 issue of "Better Crops With Plant Food", the widely distri­
buted quarterly published by the American Potash Institute. The issue was 
devoted to the value of potassium on various crops, each reviewed by an ex­
pert, most of them at the landgrant universities. Dr. Schery’s assignment 
was "On Quality Grasses", with other articles on soybeans, corn, alfalfa, 
grapes, peaches, pineapple, cotton, tobacco, lemons, rice, potatoes, bananas, 
and sugarcane.

The article opens, "Quality turf species -- such as Kentucky bluegrass, fine 
fescues, bentgrasses and bermudas -- need fertilizer rich in nitrogen." The 
article goes on to cite some of the reports from the "potassium symposium" 
at the last agronomy meetings. Although the story emphasizes the quality 
turfgrass species, its main thrust is fertilization, and reprints are not 
being rescheduled by the Institute (although the Potash Institute makes 
available additional copies of the issue). It is anticipated that in a sub­
sequent issue of the magazine there will appear a map and citation of in­
dividual fine turfgrass species, originally submitted along with the material 
that appeared in this no. 1, 1968 issue of Better Crops.

MENTIONED IN WEEDS, TREES AND TURF

The January issue of Weeds, Trees and Turf carried a brief column reporting 
Institute testing of fertilization on a bluegrass turf. The Institute is 
specifically cited.

BLUEGRASS STORY

The March issue of Flower and Garden Magazine carried a bluegrass story pre­
pared by Dr. Schery. Editors had requested a review of the newly publicized 
low-growing Fylking, one of the varieties supporting the Institute through 
the Pacific Northwest Bluegrass Association. Jacklin Seed Company kindly 
underwrote the cost of photographs. The story also mentioned a number of 
other bluegrass varieties, as well as Highland bentgrass, Chewings and Penn- 
lawn fine fescues. The Institute did not undertake reprinting of this 
special item but reprints possibly can be secured through the Jacklin Seed 
Company.

YARD AND GARDEN CLINIC

Clark Jenson, Area Extension Specialist in the Omaha, Nebraska area, has been 
very successful in organizing the more important commercial people of the area 
to sponsor three consecutive weekly programs each spring, featuring exhibits 
and invited speakers. Dr. Schery, representing the Lawn Institute, was fea­
tured on Monday evening, February 19, speaking upon "Varietal Selection and 
Fertilizer Requirements”. Mr. Jenson is to be congratulated on successfully 
marshalling educational forces where they have best chance of helping the 
public, -- through key dealers who are selling to and servicing the people. 
Nearly 200 were in attendance for the Monday evening session, most of them 
commercial, some from fairly distant locations in Nebraska and Iowa.

Dr. Schery’s presentation reviewed various levels of lawn maintenance, noting 
that kind of grass, and even variety, determines fertility requirements. Local 
factors and management given the lawn similarly have a bearing. The reprint 
"Lest Hunger Haunt Your Lawn” was distributed to attendees as a sort of resume 
of available varieties of fine-textured turfgrass. The usefulness of the 
various fertility elements as then reviewed, in some detail, relating them 
to the needs of various Kentucky bluegrasses, fine fescues and bentgrasses. 
Obviously there has to be intelligent selection of quality lawn seed as well 
as proper fertilization to bring new plantings to healthful maturity.

EXPANDED SEAL OF APPROVAL USE

Borden Chemical Company has announced four Nutro lawn seed blends, the top 
items in the line entirely fine-textured. Borden announces that the Merion 
blend ’’bears the seal of endorsement of the Lawn Institute”, and the work­
horse bluegrass — fine fescue mix ’’the Seal of Approval of the Lawn Insti­
tute”. We are pleased to have this expanded utilization of the Institute 
Seal.

HIGHLAND PERFORMS ON HIGHWAY

Ed Montgomery, district landscape architect for the Ohio Department of Highways, 
telephoned the Institute office for a suggested seed blend containing Highland 
bentgrass. This because of observations on the test plantings made two seasons 
ago South of Columbus. At the Institute’s suggestion a blend containing High­
land bentgrass had been used on one of the steep slopes at a cloverleaf. Last 
autumn that seeding had best held the soil. Now the highway department wants 
to make similar tests with new seedings North of Columbus during 1968. For 
these tests a mixture of approximately equal percentages of Highland bentgrass, 
fine fescue and the Kentucky bluegrass has been suggested.

NEBRASKA TURFGRASS CONFERENCE

Excellent facilities at the Nebraska Center, University of Nebraska, implemented 
the Sixth Annual Turfgrass Conference, January 10-12. The Institute was repre­
sent on the program by a presentation on "Home Lawns”, reviewed elsewhere. Other 
facets of the program may be of some interest to members.

After opening remarks, Dr. Albert Dudeck, Institute advisor for Nebraska, re­
ported on his extensive research with highway seedings, sponsored partly by 
the highway department. Considerable data has been accumulated on needs and 
kinds of grasses as one moves from the humid eastern part of the state west­
ward. Most grasses are the conventional sort, but Dudeck was impressed with 
the ability of crown vetch to colonize very steep slopes that had begun to 
erode badly, from a simple application of seed without further soil prepara­
tion. Such seeding was successful only in spring. He also had some success 
with native grasses, and with saltgrass (Distichlis stricta). For dryland 
lawns, the prarie grasses are susceptible to the crabgrass preventer, siduron, 
even at very light rates. Adequate fertility and proper seeding time were 
very influential in producing weed-free turf.

Dean Lancaster reviewed the new "push” for sod certification in Nebraska. 
Reasonable standards have been developed and agreed upon by interested parties, 
but it is still to be determined whether certification will be widely accepted 
by the growers.

Dr. Keen, Institute advisor for Kansas, reported on "Turfgrasses for Non- 
irrigated Areas”. Keen’s discussions ranged from the familiar bluegrasses 
and fescues from the more humid sections to southern and native species for 
more westerly areas. He suggested that Canada bluegrass right have a place, 
finding that it naturalizes well so far south as Wichita. He felt that blue­
grasses were perhaps more durable in summer than fine fescues, but recognized 
the low fertility advantage of fine fescue. Buffalograss was suggested only 
for dry areas of low fertility, often doing well on compacted soil. Keen 
suggested seeding bermudagrass for temporary cover, and commented that Zoysia 
suffers greatly from iron chlorosis in the western part of the state. Dr.
Keen also talked about "Turfgrass in Gt. Britain” in an evening presentation.
An afternoon paper on landscaping dealt chiefly with European situations.

Irrigation was reviewed by Dr. Watson of Toro, to begin the second day. Wat­
son stressed proper planning to insure satisfaction. Holmes discussed golf 
green construction, and emphasized that there are no halfway measures for 
good performance. He stressed the USGA laboratory analysis for determining 
a suitable rooting medium made from local sands and soils. Compaction and 
aerification were reviewed by Stith of West Point Products, and Watson was 
again called upon to discuss thatch, especially as it might build up on 
golf greens.

The program then split into sections relating to golf courses and to home 
lawns. Duplicate presentations on turf diseases were given to both sections. 
Administrative matters were stressed in the golfing section.

The home lawn section opened with Dr. Schery’s presentation, followed by a 
review of familiar turfgrass diseases by Stan Frederikson of Mallinckrodt 
and Dr. Weihing, Pathologist at the University. The diseases were pictured 
and familiar control measures cited. Weihing indicated that melting out is

the most serious bluegrass disease in Nebraska, and that abundant watering 
after initial drought stress may accentuate the severity of the disease.

J. D. Furrer reviewed "Weed Control in Lawns”. A new color brochure is 
being prepared on this subject, and will soon be available. Dr. Furrer 
cites some of the test results in the Proceedings, and further distributed a 
mimeo list of recommended controls for various weeds. Extension has found 
that all of the familiar crabgrass preventers do a good job, and confirmed 
that there is synergism when a fertilizer is combined with pre-emergents 
(such as cinch, a combination of Dacthal and fertilizer). It is Furrer's 
feeling that with dicamba and phenoxys now available, broadleaf weed control 
is pretty well in hand. He feels that the arsonates do a pretty good job 
with annual grasses, and such things as nutsedge. He has eliminated quack- 
grass in bluegrass fields with heavy rates of dicamba. Safety precautions 
were stressed.

Holmes discussed fertilization of lawns, strongly recommending autumn feed­
ing of bluegrass. He believes about 3 lbs. N/M annually is right for Ne­
braska (except for heavy feeding grasses such as Merion, which needs 6 or 
more). Finally Roy Rasmussen chaired sessions dealing with ornamentals, 
viz. cause and control of Dutch Elm Disease, insect and disease problems 
with ornamental trees, and lists of tree species adapted to the state.
The attendance at the conference seemed about 200, including representatives 
of some of the military instalations in the vicinity. The conference seems 
to be enthusiastically received and is growing yearly.

PRESS KITS DISTRIBUTED

The extension service in several states frequently distribute Institute press 
kits. This year, to be certain good use was being made of these issuances, 
the state extension officer was asked whether the kits were really useful.

Chuck Drage, Extension Horticulturist of Colorado, wrote Mrs. Rush, "We have 
been receiving ten sets each time. I send them to extension agents where they 
will do the most good.” Ed Cott, Extension Horticulturist for Iowa, kindly 
agreed to reproduce in his own office the few sheets of which we were short, 
viz. ”It will not be necessary for you to make a special run on the extra 
pages needed. We can handle all of this here in our office very satisfactorily”

Multiple press kits are also furnished Massachusetts, Maryland and occasionally 
other states.

FINE FESCUE PUBLICITY

”Lawn Fescues Check Weeds” appeared as the Bulletin Board suggestion in the 
February 23 issue of Seed World, credited to the Lawn Institute. The item 
opens "That fine fescues restrain weeds in the lawn does not seem so surpris­
ing in the light of research --". Later, "Favorite varieties of fine fescue,
much used with Kentucky bluegrass in top lawnseed blends, are -- Creeping Red, 
Chewings, Illahee, Highlight, Pennlawn and Rainier -- they have been noted to 
gain the upper hand gradually over weed grasses.” A final salute, ”So, 
viva Lawn Fescues!”

WINTERGRASS IN FLORIDA

Fine fescues and Kentucky bluegrass seem to be gaining greater attention for 
the winterseeding of golf greens in Florida. Both ranked very well in the 
report on "Selection of Grasses for overseeding”, H. G. Meyers and G. C. Horn 
reported in the late 1967 Florida Turfgrass Conference.

Five different grasses, alone and in combinations, were rated. Any rating 
lower than 6 was considered unsatisfactory. Ryegrass rated only 4.65, while 
Pennlawn fescue was 6.33, Penncross bentgrass 6.52 and Kentucky bluegrass 
6.97. Highest rating achieved in the tests was Pennlawn fescue at 15 lb. 
in combination achieved the rating of 7. In general grasses planted alone, 
or only a few in combination, proved superior to blends with many components. 
Ryegrass almost invariably pulled the rating down when it was combined with 
fine-textured species. Only one ryegrass, the NK-106 perennial, received 
ratings comparable with fine-textured species.

Members interested in the wintergrass seeding market may want to review the 
charts and discussion at length, beginning on page 47 of the Proceedings 
(vol. XV, 1967). A few of the statements made include:

"Bent, fescue and bluegrasses are finer textured and have better putting 
quality than domestic rye; however, seed cost is greater and establish­
ment of bents and bluegrasses slower.”

"There was no difference in the appearance of pure stands of bent, 
fescue and Poa trivialis and except for fescue they were as good as 
bluegrass. All the preceding mentions had better appearance than 
rye.”

"Rye decreased appearance when mixed with bent, fescue or bluegrass 
because of its coarse texture. When rye was mixed with Poa trivialis 
the resulting mixture was better than pure rye but no different than 
pure Poa trivialis.”

"Fescue plus bluegrass was best of the two-grass mixtures although it 
was no different in appearance than established bluegrass or bent.
From a practical standpoint, however, the mixture was superior since 
fescue germinates and establishes more rapidly than bent or bluegrass."

"Two exceptions to the preceding generalization were a combination of 
bent, fescue and Poa trivialis and a combination of bent, fescue and 
bluegrass.. The latter mixture was as good as the first which was 
better than all other three-grass mixtures.”

FLORIDA FERTILIZER STUDY

Some surprising findings were reported by Horn and Pritchett in the March 
issue of Florida Turf, concerning the role of potassium in turfgrass fer­
tilization. Relatively little potassium was as good as a lot for improving 
Tifway bermudagrass appearance, and a single application in spring was as 
adequate as the same amount divided among several applications through the 
year. Sulphur seemed important, and potassium compounds containing sulphur 
were significantly more effective than those not containing sulphur.

OHIO RESEARCH

The 1967 report on cooperative turfgrass investigations conducted through Ohio 
State University was recently received. Publication of the data is restricted, 
but members may be interested in the nature of the research going on. In one 
trial 20 or so bentgrasses were compared for density, percentage of weeds, and 
overall desirability. As would be expected the creeping bentgrasses rated some­
what high than the Colonial bentgrasses in these respects, with seeded sorts 
faring well. Ratings on all Colonial forms were quite close, but Highland this 
year had a slight edge at Columbus.

The same sort of comparison is accorded bluegrasses, with varieties selected 
for disease resistance naturally outperforming others. Leading the parade in 
Columbus with a slight margin for most factors was K-547 (new Pennstar). In 
the Wooster ratings leaf smut was tallied because of its increasing importance 
there, with Merion and Windsor exhibiting the highest incidence. Perhaps sur­
prisingly, in the southern most part of the state, which would seem a little 
far south for Merion, this variety rated near the top in "overall desirability”, 
slightly behind Pennstar.

Botanical compositions of fine fescue-bluegrass seed blend plantings were given, 
corresponding roughly to proportions in the seeding mixture. As might be ex­
pected, irrigation favored the bluegrass a little, lack of irrigation the fescues, 
although the differences were not generally significant.

Reel mowing proved slightly superior to rotary mowing, and 2 inch mowing heights 
definitely superior to 1 inch mowing height, so far as density, disease, and 
overall desirability ratings were concerned. The test varieties were Merion 
and Delta bluegrass. A large group of grasses for "rough use” were rated, 
without great differences between them. It may be of interest that Pennlawn 
and other fine fescues rated ahead of the tall fescue group even for "rough 
use”.

Crabgrass control was adequate with all of the conventional pre-emergence 
chemicals. Mineral accumulation at two different heights was calculated for 
Merion Kentucky bluegrass, the study was continued on the influence of tempera­
ture and day lengths for encouraging bluegrass rhizoming and tillering.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

At the request of T. W. Stamann, Extension Agent for Cornell University in 
Middletown, New York, 6 photographs were sent from which to choose 3 pictures 
for newspaper stories commending bluegrass lawns.

SOD PRODUCERS APPROACHED

We are very grateful to membership chairman, Gordon Newton, for taking time 
to visit with Ben Warren, president of the newly-formed American Sod Producers 
Association. It has been the feeling of the executive committee that quality 
seed and good sod have many interests in common, and that if some support 
could be gained from American Sod Producers Association, Institute services 
could be strengthened for the benefit of both that group and the Institute.

RESEARCH IN TEXAS

After speaking in Omaha, Dr. Schery took advantage of being West to visit with 
Dr. George McBee at Texas A & M University, to discuss research being conducted 
there. A few of the current activities and trends may be of interest to members.

There is continuing interest in winter seeding, particularly of golf greens, 
with fine-textured northern grasses. This occurs throughout the eastern half 
of Texas north of the tropical belt near Brownsville. Dr. McBee indicates that 
the predominant component of winter-seeding blends seems to be Poa trivalis, 
although this is supplemented by Kentucky bluegrass and bentgrass, and occasion­
ally fine fescue. McBee feels that a typical ratio is on the order of 6-2-2, 
of Poa trivalis, bluegrass and bentgrass respectively. Winter-seeding with 
fine-textured grasses gives a more gradual spring transition back to the ber- 
muda than with ryegrass. Many of the winterseeded plots look poor this year, 
especially those seeded to ryegrass (which was badly damaged by Pythium). Of 
the fungicides tried only Pexon gave much protection.

Tests at the University indicate that overseeding of the new Tifdwarf strain 
of bermudagrass is no more difficult than for the (formerly) predominating 
Tifgreen. The Houston Country Club was Gene Tift on both green and fairway, 
but has just been converted to Tifdwarf on the greens by spraying with maleic 
hydrazide and then lifting the sod. Within four weeks new sprigings of Tif­
dwarf were established and nearly playable. McBee feels that Tifdwarf is at 
least as heavy a feeding greens grass as Tifgreen; it is susceptible to Hel­
minthosporium disease.

Research at Texas is centering more upon physiological and biochemical facets 
under McBeen, than when Holt was in charge. There is elaborate apparatus for 
monitoring nutrients in foliage, and for tracing tagged molecules. Active 
projects include internal analyses of the grass plant subjected to shade, 
variable fertilization, and so on.

At time of visit, February 23, St. Augustine, the predominant grass of that 
area, was dormant from cold. One research project involved bringing sod into 
the greenhouse for revival, then subjecting it to various cold treatments. In 
many cases this has resulted in chlorotic grass, the cause for which is yet 
explained.

McBee is convinced that heavy autumn fertilization, important for maintaining 
good color late in the season, is not conducive to winter-kill. He also agrees 
that there is synergism for a herbicide (such as PCNB) applied on a fertilizer 
carrier. Dicamba and 2,4-D offer another example. Arsonate speeds up the 
respiration of nutsedge, making the tuber more active; only when a second and 
third application is made is an exhaustive stage reached that kills the weed.

DR. BUTLER JOINS ADVISORS

After a recent appearance on the Illinois Turfgrass conference program, Dr. 
Schery invited Dr. J. D. Butler, Extension Turfgrass Specialist, to join the 
advisors of the Lawn Institute. We arc pleased to have this reply from Jack, 
”I would certainly be honored to serve on the advisory board of The Lawn In­
stitute as I appreciate getting the mailers which you send out periodically.”

PUBLICITY IN NEBRASKA

A side benefit from Dr. Schery appearing on the program of the sixth annual 
Nebraska Turfgrass Conference, was publicity released through the University 
of Nebraska press to all daily newspapers in the state. The Institute’s pre­
sentation "Home Lawns", seemed to meet the requirements for general reader 
interest better than some of the more specialized topics also covered by the 
conference. Photographs of Dr. Weihing, conference chairman, speaking with 
Dr. Schery were taken to accompany the release. Text of the release to the 
newspapers was simply a condensation of the resume provided by the Institute 
for the Proceedings of the conference. The resume, as it appears in the 
Proceedings, is given in the following paragraphs. We are delighted that this 
presentation should receive this excellent "added mileage" through the press 
facilities of the University of Nebraska.

"Home lawns are as varied as the people who sponsor them. But over-all 
the trend is to greater perfection. In only a generation relatively un­
critical acceptance has changed to demand for weed-free, blemishless turf 
of fine-textured grasses. In the cooler quadrants of the country (map) 
this means primarily varieties of Kentucky bluegrass (the workhorse),
Oregon fine fescues (especially for shade, and infertile, dryish soils), 
and bentgrasses (luxurious, close-clipped turfs where irrigation is possible). 
Habits of each are pretty well recognized, although there is no end to 
subtle differences in varietal response; while the species are widely 
adapted, varieties may be narrowly so.

"Thus, no matter how diligent the plant breeder, a homeowner cannot buy 
certain success through purchase of even the most highly recommended 
variety. He still must manage the grass according to its needs. The 
homeowner, sophisticated in recognizing varieties by name (because of 
lavish advertising), may be unsophisticated about sound management. He 
may be misled into expecting better performance than is practically ob­
tainable, in spite of being increasingly willing to spend liberally for 
all sorts of products and equipment. The homeowner is willing to pay 
for service, too--for example, to have instant grass (sod). But elaborate 
equipment and fine sod are no guarantee of a spotless lawn. Pains must 
be taken to understand just what care it needs. As limits of the natural 
range for the better turfgrasses are approached (Nebraska) such practices 
as supplementary irrigation, timely fertilization and considerate mowing 
become critical.

"A relatively few practices account disproportionately in success of a 
lawn. Quality grass, correct fertilization (autumn especially), and rea­
sonably high mowing are especially important. Irrigation will help during 
seedling stages or drought. Some weed control is de rigeur. Other prac­
tices may contribute to the lawn’s sparkle, but are less fundamental. If 
homeowners did not more than choose good grass, fertilize and mow it in­
telligently, there would be more successes. Many homeowners are confused 
by the barrage of advice that makes it seem as if primping is equally as 
important as basic care. Lawns can endure minor abuse if the fundamentals 
are adequate; but one fundamental improperly handled can spell defeat.
The home lawn is an unnaturally congested population of grass plants, 
subjected to extreme demands for luxuriousness. As such it is susceptible

to misguided care. Like any biological situation, lawn organisms must 
come to terms with their environment. Understanding these terms, the home- 
owner can modify the environment to make it more harmonious for the grass 
of his choice.”

Members are free to draw upon or quote from this summary if it may prove use­
ful. No reprints have been scheduled, however.

PHOTOS DISTRIBUTED

During the quarter there have been a number of requests from garden writers 
and newspaper columnists for Institute photographs, such as those noted in 
reprints that are distributed. Although it is fairly expensive to provide 
photos, we have, for goodwill reasons, tried to honor requests as much as 
possible. It is often feasible to utilize used prints returned from magazines, 
or to find substitute photos in the files of which we still have multiple 
copies. Nonetheless, in order to maintain this tie-of-interest with garden 
writers, the Institute should budget an increasing number of photographs for 
the fiscal year ahead. It is well worth the expense to have these photos used 
in prominent papers in such cities as Cincinnati, St. Louis and Denver, to 
which sets have recently been sent.

INSTABILITY OF GRASS PLANTS

Etlar Nielsen, Wisconsin, reporting in the January American Journal of Botany, 
cites a number of instances where vegetatively propagated grass plants resulted 
in quite different progeny. Within the grass group it is not uncommon for two 
crowns derived from the same rhizomes to be different, the ’’sporting” due to 
unknown causes. Although Kentucky bluegrass is not discussed, one wonders 
whether this might not occur in seed producing fields. Nielsen feels that 
intraplant variations may help explain evolution of the grasses, noted for a 
high incidence of ploidy. Perhaps chromosomal variations may occur spon­
taneously within a plant without involving hybridization and doubling of 
chromosome sets.

ROADSIDE SEEDING

The Institute will have an excellent opportunity to present information on 
the suitability of fine-textured grasses for roadside seeding next October.
Dr. Schery, Director, has been invited by the program chairman, Dr. George 
Tobey of Ohio State University, to discuss ’’Evaluation of Turfgrasses for 
Roadsides” the afternoon of Wednesday, October 9 at the 27th Ohio Short Course 
on Roadside Development. Members will recall that this annual short course 
in effect represents the national annual meeting for Roadside Landscape Arch­
itects .

REPRINTS AT TRADE SHOW

We are grateful to Seed Technology for offering at its booth for the San 
Francisco meeting of the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association and sod 
growers, two Institute reprints. Used for handout were: ”How to Get a 
Good Buy on Grass Seed” and ’’The Importance of Quality Seed”.

RESEARCH IN VIRGINIA

Houston Couch sent the Institute an interesting report on research being done 
by Plant Pathology and Physiology at VPI. One often tends to view turfgrass 
research as confined to the agronomists. Summarization of the pathology- 
physiology research during 1967 required 40 pages! A few items may be of 
particular interest to members.

Not all fungicides were in the comparison, but Daconil led both for control 
of melting-out in Kentucky bluegrass and dollarspot in bentgrass. Early appli­
cation of DCPA controlled goosegrass in fairways better if applied early than 
late, and was somewhat better than bensulide. The familiar 2-4,D combinations 
were confirmed as excellent for their usual purposes.

Both DCPA and bensulide controlled most Poa annua in dormant bermudagrass, 
but also repressed wintergrass overseeding (more severe on fescue than on 
ryegrass). All of the familiar pre-emergence chemicals for control of crab- 
grass were effective except balan. Tall fescue was effectively spot killed 
in bluegrass with Paraquat, but the chemicals did tend to repress new seed­
lings in the cleared spot.

There were a number of roadside tests for effectiveness of herbicides, and 
maleic hydrazide proved best of materials tried for inhibiting grass growth. 
Bensulide was inactivated in the soil by charcoal. Bermudagrass (as a weed) 
was better inhibited by dalapon than other chemicals. Many other tests re­
lated to control of grass weeds in nurseries, quackgrass control proving 
partial with dichlobenil.

DISPERSAL OF SEEDS

de-Vlaming and Proctor, Texas, in the January American Journal of Botany, 
report on research in which various seeds eaten by birds can remain viable 
and be widely spread. Two grasses were included. It is concluded that small 
seeds with hard coats can very easily pass through a bird’s digestive system 
without loosing viability, and be retained as much as several days (thus 
giving ample time for wide dispersal by the bird). It is speculated that 
bird dispersal is far more important than generally given credit, and is an 
important selective feature determining which kinds of plants will gain dis­
persal .

SEED AFTER RIPENING

Curtis and Cantlon, in the January American Journal of Botany, review seed 
dormancy in a single species (Melampyrum lineare). The processes may have 
implications for grasses and other plants. A growth stimulate (gibberellin- 
like) occurred in immature seed, but disappeared as ripening progressed and 
was absent in dormant seeds. Respiration and chemical constitution are re­
lated to dormancy, which is sustained by inability of the embryo to hydrolize 
thickened endosperm cell wall.

REPRINTS USED

An extra supply of  "Select Seed Wisely” was requested by Borden Chemical Com­
pany, for use through their lawn and garden sales force. This puts the informa­
tion right on the firing line.

HELP ON WINTER-SEEDING

A letter from Paul T. Rowell, formerly with the Oregon Department of Agri­
culture, now retired (for the winter, to the dry climate of southern Cali­
fornia), inquires about winter-seeding. Paul has been in touch with golf 
course superintendents and the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, about 
trials of fine fescues, Highland bentgrass and bluegrass for seeding fair­
ways, lawns and greens. Interest has been whetted with the college horti­
culturists, who intend to establish some trials of fine-leaf turfgrasses 
for overseeding.

While it would be expensive to recopy all the reports furnished the Fine 
Fescue Commission some years ago, Paul was sent a number of reprints relating 
to winter-seeding which might furnish the basis for teaching this subject at 
the college, as well as offering suggestions for some trials. It was also 
suggested that further technical information could be found in the theses 
done some years ago at the University of Florida and at Mississippi State 
University. We are grateful to Mr. Rowell for his continuing interest in 
promoting fine-textured grasses for winter-seeding in the South.

POA ANNUA KILLS EASILY

Dr. Beard, Michigan, reports on Fischer’s in MS thesis at Michigan State 
University, concerning high temperature influence on annual bluegrass, in 
February Golfdom. Exposure to temperatures a little over 100 degrees F 
for only an hour were sufficient to kill Poa annua 100 per cent. A good 
good argument for something sturdier on the green and fairway.

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

The Lawn Institute continues to receive requests for information from stu­
dents attending various universities and technical schools who are studying 
turf management. A typical example is a letter from Vincent Monteforte, in 
class at the New York State University, Farmingdale, L.I. His was but one 
of several requests from that institute asking for informational literature, 
which we service mainly through mailing of reprints.

NEW PUBLICATION

March brought the first issue of the new "Golf Course Superintendents Reporter”, 
for the State of Iowa. Charles Calhoun, consulting turfgrass specialist, Ames, 
Iowa, is editor. The Institute has been well acquainted with Mr. Calhoun 
through the years. Editorial policy is to provide a diversity of materials for 
information and discussion, and we are hopeful that from time to time the 
Institute releases may appear in this promising new publication.

GARDEN EDITOR VISITED

When on a speaking engagement to Omaha, Dr. Schery had opportunity to call 
upon David Sadler, Garden Editor for the Omaha World Herald, dominate news­
paper of the region. Mr. Sadler inverviewed Dr. Schery for about an hour, 
intending to develop a story for spring usage in the Herald on "What’s New 
in Lawns”.

CRABGRASS RESPONSE TO LIGHT QUALITY

Research in New Hampshire reported in the January Weed Science indicates 
that crabgrass grew best under red and white light, less well under green, 
yellow or blue light, although all light sources were adjusted to equal energy 
levels. Green and blue light caused greater seed head formation, while yellow 
light restricted seeding. These findings are consistent with observations 
that grasses in general are dense and dwarfed at high elevations (where ultra­
violet penetrates well), and that Crabgrass is generally less a pest there 
than in the lowlands.

"POP-UP" FERTILIZER FOR LAWN?

Within the last year or so there has been considerable interest in fertilizer 
banded along with the seed for early-planted agricultural crops, termed "pop­
up" fertilization. What aids early corn growth in cold soil should do equally 
well for turfgrass? We have long recommended feeding a new lawn amply at 
time of planting, but now a good deal of experimental evidence is accumulating 
on the agricultural front. To avoid damage fertilizers with a low salt index 
(not too much soluble nitrogen or potassium) are recommended, or lighter rates 
of the stronger types.

AGRONOMY FUNDAMENTALS

A special intensive course for industrial agronomists, "The Plant and Its 
Environment", is being offered May 6-10 by Purdue University for a limited 
group with advanced degrees. It is felt that demand exists for bringing in­
dustrial agronomists "up to the moment", in such matters as mineralogy, 
nutrient uptake, nutrient availability, soil chemistry, solar energy, photo­
synthesis and respiration, translocation, placement of fertilizer, plant com­
petition, limiting factors of climate and response to environmental change. 
Briefs describing the individual presentations by over a dozen experts in the 
respective fields indicate a well-integrated program of great fundamental 
value.

STORY READIED

A story has been prepared for National Farm and Home Publications on autumn 
lawn renovation that would permit quick and easy bolstering with seed of 
fine-textured grasses. The story will be supported by color photographs 
taken on the grounds, and is scheduled to appear in the August issue of 
Better Turf and Garden.

MOWING INFLUENCE

A study on the response of mountain grassland to clipping, reported in the 
Autumn 1967 issue of Ecology, may have implications for the lawn even though 
the species are different. Clipping more severely damaged the forbs (which 
would be broadleafed weeds in the lawn) than the grass, and caused a shift 
in favor of the grass. The grasses were most set back when clipping occurred 
in the period from early flowering to seed ripening. The deleterious effect 
from repeated clipping (in terras of total grass production) did not begin to 
show until the third year.

ANNUAL BLUEGRASS CONTROL

Neidlinger, Furtick and Goetze report in the January issue of Weed Science 
on success in controlling annual bluegrass selectively in bentgrass golf 
greens, and in Kentucky bluegrass seed fields. Bensulide at 15-30 lbs./A 
nearly eliminated annual bluegrass with no evident injury to Highland or Sea­
side bentgrass. Bensulide has proved to be one of the longer-lasting pre- 
emergence annual grass controls, but the selective kill of established annual 
bluegrass was unexpected. Terbacil at one-fifth lb./A gave best control of 
annual bluegrass in Kentucky bluegrass seed fields when applied pre-emergent. 
The annual bluegrass was largely controlled with little supression of the 
Kentucky bluegrass.

MORE ABOUT BLUEGRASS, FINE FESCUE

Skogley and Ledeboer, of the University of Rhode Island, report upon "Evalua­
tion of Several Kentucky Bluegrass and Red Fescue Strains Maintained as Lawn 
Turf Under Three Levels of Fertility", in the January-February Agronomy 
Journal. Eight varieties of Kentucky bluegrass and six of fine fescue were 
entered in the tests, running from 1962 through 1964. In general, increased 
fertility improved quality rating of the turf. Park, Delta and Pennstar per­
formed relatively better at the lower fertility levels. Fine fescues were 
less responsive to fertilization, and the Rhode Island selection Jamestown 
was rated highest, Pennlawn second, at each fertility level.

FILM SHORTS

Modern (former distributor of the Institute film, Bluegrass Beauty) notes 
that there is increasing demand for very short films, perhaps only five minutes 
long. Bluegrass Beauty was designed to fill a 15 minute slot. The new airport 
theaters, for example, makes good use of shorter films for their ever-changing 
audience. Incidentally, the number of airport free theaters has now been 
increased 10, with additions at Pittsburgh and Honolulu. There is similar 
demand for short items for resorts, and for increasingly flexible programming 
in television. It is to be hoped that someday the Lawn Institute will have 
funds to reinstate a promotional film.

FERTILIZING BLUEGRASS-FINE FESCUE

Skogley and King, Rhode Island, report upon "Controlled Release Nitrogen 
Fertilization of Turfgrass", in the January-February issue of the Agronomy 
Journal. Urea impregnated on wax performed best of the materials tested, 
although not a great deal better than urea. Natural organics and ureaform 
rated poorly.

TEAR SHEETS RECEIVED

Claude Gray, Garden Editor for the Walla Walla Washington Union-Bulletin 
kindly sent a sample page of his Saturday, March 16 "Home Gardener’s Page". 
About 10 column-inches of text from the spring press kit were used in his 
column, giving full credit to the Institute and mentioning of grasses such 
as Highland. Sample excerpt: "Dr. Schery recommended following de-thatching 
by bolster seeding with a fine-textured seed blend and by fertilization."

MORE ON ANNUAL BLUEGRASS

Engel, Morrison and Ilnicki, Rutgers University, discuss "Preemergence Chemical 
Effects on Annual Bluegrass" in the February The Golf Superintendent. This is 
in keeping with the increasing concern about annual bluegrass as a weed, becom­
ing more prevalent as irrigation of golf courses increases. The carefully under- 
taken research reported in the article is not too encouraging; anything power­
ful enough and persistant enough to control annual bluegrass, also presents 
hazards for the turfgrass. Calcium arsenate was the only of the familiar 
"crabgrass chemicals" that gave a high degree of control over a considerable 
span of years. But it must be used at heavy rates (over 400 lbs./A), and was 
generally the most detrimental of all chemicals to the quality of the turf­
grass. Something of a compromise was bensulide (Betasan, Presan), often re­
commended for annual bluegrass control. This provided moderate annual blue­
grass control, and generally less injury to the turfgrass than arsenate (but 
there was some deterioration of turf quality). Although the effectiveness 
of the bensulide did not run out so quickly as with other familiar crabgrass 
preventers, it nonetheless had to be replenished from time to time, and judging 
the exact replacement rate could prove touchy. This research suggests that so 
far at least there is no chemical that enables you to eat your cake and have 
it too.

FESCUE PHYSIOLOGY

Virginia researchers reporting in the November-December 1967 Crops Science, 
discuss clipping and nitrogen fertilization treatments of tall fescue. The 
concern is mainly for pasture, but principles are the same also for turfgrass 
(and by implication fine-textured grasses with a similar growth cycle). High 
nitrogen thinned stands of spring grass that was not clipped, and scalping 
caused considerable kill. We see this same sort of thing with lawns of lushly 
growing bluegrass. Also like bluegrass, frequent defoliation (mowing) en­
couraged tillering; nitrogen encouraged tillering late in year. The report 
is mainly of interest for theory as to why heavily fertilized turf is fre­
quently lost when mowed suddenly in spring.

McCALLS GARDEN BOOK

To judge from an announcement in Home Garden Magazine, McCalls Garden Book 
(organized by Gretchen Harshbarger) has finally made an appearance. The 
announcement reads:

"Here is a general gardening book that is not only complete in coverage 
but attractive as well. Every subject of interest to gardeners and 
homeowners is included, with excellent drawings by John Burton Brimer 
and many photographs to supplement the text. Several planting charts 
for quick reference are very useful.

"The chapter on pests and diseases has been written by Dr. Cynthia 
Westcott, and the lawn and soil sections by Dr. Robert Schery, both 
experts in their fields. Indexed."

COLONIAL BENTGRASS REPORT

Dudeck and Duich, reporting in the November-December 1967 Crop Science, dis­
cuss selections of Colonial bentgrass as they performed at Pennsylvania State 
University. They conclude that inbreeding is feasible with the species, and 
might lead to lines having useful attributes or potentiality for selection 
and crossing even though there was some loss of vigor as the degree of in- 
breeding increased.

ABOUT BENTGRASS

The short item "The Virtues of Bentgrass” appeared in the March 8 Seed 
World. This was a story reporting on a test in Ohio that "indicates that 
a Highland bentgrass blend best protected soil on a steep slope at a high­
way cloverleaf.”

INTERESTING PROJECT

Among "curious communications”, the following was received in January: 

"Dear Dr. Schery:

"Dr. Jack McCormick of the University of Pennsylvania and I are 
presently working on the question of why people mow grass. That 
is, what purpose does mowing serve? What are the origins of 
mowers and mowing? What, if any, psychological motivation is 
there for mowing?

"I would appreciate your aid in providing us with, or directing 
us to, any pertinent information on this subject.

"Thank you!"

INFORMATION POWERHOUSE

Were the Institute able to provide the information requested in the follow­
ing letter from Canada, a fortune would await us:

"I want to know the different steps for beginning, financing, 
organizing, planning and commercializing of a sod farm.

"I should have a complete documentation about associations and 
centers of research about sod farms, also books, reviews and 
periodicals of this field.

"In advance, I thank you very much."

FAST ROOT GROWTH

Studies by Dr. A. F. Wiese in Texas, reported in the January issue of Weed 
Science, show remarkable elongation of roots. Root elongation in cocklebur 
weed was better than 2 inches per day, with Crabgrass not very much less.
In all cases roots grew faster than the tops increased in height.

IN MASSACHUSETTS TURFGRASS BULLETIN

Pickup of an excerpt from a story done for Better Turf and Garden, was noted 
in the spring issue of the Massachusetts Turf and Lawn Grass Council Turf 
Bulletin. It was entitled "New Bluegrasses Getting Attention". The opening 
sentence sets the tone:

"Kentucky Bluegrass is perhaps the best of all sod forming grasses -- 
attractively soft and of elegant color and texture, easily mowed, hardy 
and strongly recuperative."

Several of the newer varieties are cited. The commercial fine fescues are 
named by variety, finalizing a paragraph that begins:

"Fine or Red Fescues are very attractive, hardy, erect-growing species 
similar to bluegrass, — last on infertile soil with minimum care and 
well suited for dry shade."

As to bentgrasses, the article states:

"The best lawn varieties from seed are Astoria, Highland and Penncross."

The story concludes;

"Having one or more fine fescues in a seed blend gives you a candidate 
grass suitable for difficult spots under trees."

LITERATURE FOR NEW YORK MEETING

The Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation held 
a series of programs on Home Grounds Beautification during February and March. 
Paul Frese, Naturalist for the Meyer Arboretum, wrote the Institute asking if 
informational literature might be supplied attendees. Several hundred reprints 
were sent to Paul, for handing out in conjunction with the session "New 
Guidelines for the Well-landscaped Home". This proved opportunity to be in­
fluential in the prime garden market area of the nation. Cooperating with 
the park department were the county extension service, the Recreation and 
Park Society and the Southeastern New York Nurserymen's Association

PRESS KIT USER

A tear sheet from the March 15 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Evening News (and 
the Patriot) was kindly sent in by Herbert C. Campbell, Gardening Editor. 
Approximately 24 column inches of space were devoted to the story, "Spring 
is Perfect Time to Start Seeding Lawn", composed from piecing together various 
items of the Institute Spring Press Kit. There were numerous mentions of 
Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue and Highland bentgrass.

REPRINTS DISTRIBUTED

Borden Chemical Company requested "Weed Turf With Fertilizer", Seeded Fair­
ways", Bluegrass and Shade Grasses" Institute reprints, for distribution to 
Lawn and Garden personnel.

---

INSTITUTE IN PAPER

A special gardening insert in the March 15 St. Louis Post Dispatch carried 
3 photos taken on the Institute grounds. Captions furnished were run with 
the photos, viz.:

"'NO TIME FOR ALARM -- The modern fine-textured lawn can be mowed 
quickly and pleasurably with today’s modern equipment. Don’t be 
alarmed if Kentucky bluegrass shows ’gray hair’ temporarily in late 
spring. That’s the normal time for it to produce seed stalks, --"

"TALL, TOUGH NUISANCE -- One of the biggest nuisances in an attractive, 
fine-textured turf is volunteer tall fescue, a coarse and clumpy species-

-, -. When selecting seed mixtures check that the fescue content is 

fine fescue (varieties such as Chewings and Pennlawn). -----"

"PATCH-UP TIME -- Where a winter blemish shows in a bluegrass lawn, 
the soil can be loosened and a good seed blend used to reestablish 
good cover ahead of weed growth."

SEAL MENTIONED

We are pleased to see Borden Chemical Company emphasizing the Lawn Institute 
Seal of Approval in its "Turf and Garden Topics", viz. "It is still not too 
late to order your -- seed -- certified by the Lawn Institute and the Inter­
national Crop Improvement Association."

REPRINTS FOR CONFERENCE

When discussion "Home Lawns" at the Nebraska Turfgrass Conference, Dr. Schery 
had opportunity to distribute two Institute reprints to the audience, "Select 
Seed Wisely" and "Common Sense Lawn Care".

"BLUEGRASS STANDS GUARD"

This is the title of the Bulletin Board Suggestion story in the March 8 
Seed World, byline credit to the Institute.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

"Received your 1968 spring brochure late last week. I had consulted the 
1967 one for the enclosed advice. I always enjoy receiving your releases 
and quote from them fairly extensively in my weekly garden column.

Claude M. Gray 
Washington

" -- as chairman of the National Beautification Committee I want to per­
sonally thank you for this material. -- the newspaper supplement that you 
worked on for the Beautification Committee."

John F. Schiffman 
Hygrade Seed Company

"Thanks for all your good help."

Doc Abraham 
"The Green Thumb"

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

"I would like to have my name placed on your mailing list. I am mainly 
interested in the 1968 spring lawn packet."

Theodore W. Stamen, Extension Agent 
Middletown, New York

"Again let me thank you very much for coming to Illinois -- the comments 
which I had concerning the conference were all good, and we were very 
pleased to have had you with us."

J. D. Butler 
University of Illinois

"'Lest Hunger Haunt Your Lawn’ -- A very good article, excellent for 
awakening interest of newer fertilizer people --"

Bill Daniel 
Purdue University

"One of the highlights of the recent Sixth Annual Nebraska Turfgrass 
Conference was the success of the ’Home Lawn' section. Your presence 
was a major part in the success of that section."

Dr. John L. Weihing 
University of Nebraska

"I would greatly appreciate having a reprint of your article, ’The Migra­
tion of a Plant', published in Natural History Magazine. Thanking you in 
advance for your help."

Dr. T. H. Taylor 
University of Kentucky

"Thank you very much for agreeing to present a paper at the 27th Ohio 
Roadside Shortcourse. We look forward to hearing results of your current 
trials."

Dr. George B. Tobey, Jr.
Ohio State University

"'Lest Hunger Haunt Your Lawn’ -- This is a very interesting article and 
we have passed this information on to our Deere and Company Advertising 
Department, also, to our Horicon Sales Manager."

J. W. Raber 
John Deere Company

"On behalf of the Official Yard and Garden Chemical Clinic, I would like 
to thank you -- We had many fine comments concerning your presentation.
I enjoyed visiting during the afternoon and gained many ideas from you 
which I will be able to use in the programs we discussed."

Clark E. Jenson, Area Extension Specialist 
Omaha, Nebraska

"I wish to compliment you on the very excellent spring kit of releases 
that came in a few days ago. You make this mowing a lawn sound so inter­
esting that I am sure most wives will be trying to take the job away from 
their husbands. I found all the releases well done and very interesting.

G. O. Newton
Northrup, King and Company