From almost medieval times the lawn has been an integral part of the well-planned garden. Only the soul-less would deny the pleasure of walking barefoot on a cool green sward on a warm summer day. The lawn is more than a functional space--it is commonly part of the fantasy garden that we at least daydream about if not achieve.

Whatever your hopes and expectations The New Lawn Expert can provide you with a good head start as Dr Hessayon offers his trademark clear explanations and easy-to-follow guidance. If you are starting from scratch then here we have everything from preparing the ground to the care of the established lawn. If you have an area of grass that fails to measure up to the title "lawn", then help is at hand as troubles are identified and remedies provided.

The book has excellent step-by-step diagrams providing information and more importantly solutions to every conceivable problem during every month of the year. You might well be a devoted lawn manager with an enviable green sward but still you may have problems--lawns are like that--which is almost part of the obsession. This book then should provide a pleasurable and potentially restorative read. --T W Falinska

The Lawn Expert, 28 Aug 2008
A great collection of books, very easy to read and understand.
Contains all the information on Lawns, soils and when and what to use to keep your lawn healthy and looking green.


Just one book on lawns!!, 31 Mar 2008
If you are just seeking one book on lawns and their care, buy this one. Although the content in parts is dated the basic techniques are still relevant today. In today's climate of ecology and organics the high use of chemicals is frowned upon but this was not the case when the first edition was written, also the author worked in the chemical industry.
Dr D.G. Hessayon's approach is basic and not flowered, yet is easily understood.

So you thought a lawn was just grass?, 24 Nov 2007
If you want to know how short you should cut your grass in mid-May, as opposed to the end of August, or why nitrogen-rich lawn feed should be avoided in the autumn, then this is the book for you. The author has an amusing style of writing that conjures up images of an ex public-school master obsessed with his lawn. Basically, anyone who doesn't have a £1500 Atco Balmoral cylinder mower, a warehouse full of potash, lome and other essential nutrients, and a bowling green for a lawn is a Philistine. Take the chapter (half a page!) devoted to synthetic lawns, for example: "For many gardeners, the idea of using plastic lawn at home is an obscenity" - you've got to love him :-) Even the 'photographs' are those delicious water-paint illustrations I used to see in 1960s Ladybird Learn to Read books as a child. A wealth of information, well worth the selling price.

Totally comprehensive, 21 Nov 2006
I have had this book for years and read it when I first got it. A first class reference book and "recipe" for a perfect lawn. Has sections on types of grass (how many?) weeds and pests that you get in lawns and a useful section on what to do in each month of the year. Follow this for a few years and you will end up with a beautiful English lawn. But beware you won't be doing anything else its a full time job !

OK, but not for me, 09 Apr 2002
This book doesn't really take the approach that I was interested in, in lawn management. The author is very enthusiastic about a perfect lawn at all costs. Their attitude towards worms is curious - they are a BAD THING and "unfortunately, worm killer is no longer available". The solution to most problems is the addition of chemicals, and then some more chemicals.

The Lawn Expert, 28 Aug 2008
A great collection of books, very easy to read and understand.
Contains all the information on Lawns, soils and when and what to use to keep your lawn healthy and looking green.


Just one book on lawns!!, 31 Mar 2008
If you are just seeking one book on lawns and their care, buy this one. Although the content in parts is dated the basic techniques are still relevant today. In today's climate of ecology and organics the high use of chemicals is frowned upon but this was not the case when the first edition was written, also the author worked in the chemical industry.
Dr D.G. Hessayon's approach is basic and not flowered, yet is easily understood.

So you thought a lawn was just grass?, 24 Nov 2007
If you want to know how short you should cut your grass in mid-May, as opposed to the end of August, or why nitrogen-rich lawn feed should be avoided in the autumn, then this is the book for you. The author has an amusing style of writing that conjures up images of an ex public-school master obsessed with his lawn. Basically, anyone who doesn't have a £1500 Atco Balmoral cylinder mower, a warehouse full of potash, lome and other essential nutrients, and a bowling green for a lawn is a Philistine. Take the chapter (half a page!) devoted to synthetic lawns, for example: "For many gardeners, the idea of using plastic lawn at home is an obscenity" - you've got to love him :-) Even the 'photographs' are those delicious water-paint illustrations I used to see in 1960s Ladybird Learn to Read books as a child. A wealth of information, well worth the selling price.

Totally comprehensive, 21 Nov 2006
I have had this book for years and read it when I first got it. A first class reference book and "recipe" for a perfect lawn. Has sections on types of grass (how many?) weeds and pests that you get in lawns and a useful section on what to do in each month of the year. Follow this for a few years and you will end up with a beautiful English lawn. But beware you won't be doing anything else its a full time job !

OK, but not for me, 09 Apr 2002
This book doesn't really take the approach that I was interested in, in lawn management. The author is very enthusiastic about a perfect lawn at all costs. Their attitude towards worms is curious - they are a BAD THING and "unfortunately, worm killer is no longer available". The solution to most problems is the addition of chemicals, and then some more chemicals.

Targeted for an American Audience, 11 Jun 2004
This book is American, and as such is full of Americanisms, right down to referring to turf as sod. Helpful hints include the suggestion that if Sunday morning is the only time you can cut your grass then you should bake cinammon rolls to appease the neighbours. (Where did I put that vomit bag?)

I didn't like the style or the presentation of this book. There were anecdotal infills from groundsmen of USA football fields and the like which were of little relevance or interest to a British reader. If you want a UK biased book about lawncare I would recommend The Lawn Expert which some regard as a bible.

Lots of good info, 18 Nov 2003
Most home owners, even non-gardeners want an attractive lawn. It is, after all, one of the largest aspects of most suburban homes, it’s what the visitor and the passer-by sees first - and those first impressions are so-o-o important. And most home owners are not too happy with their lawn. It has bare spots, moss, weeds and the track left by the paper delivery person. These home owners need “The Lawn Bible”.

Written by Fenway Park’s master groundskeeper (it's the American equivalent of Headingley cricket ground), who has faced more grass issues than the rest of us put together, it has everything the grass-grower needs to make him or her the lawn meister of the neighbourhood. The writer stats by taking a look at a single grass plant and moves on to discuss the most basic element of a good lawn - the soil. He discusses seeding, instant lawns, watering, mowing (including your own design of stripes) replacing old lawns, weeds, insect pests and diseases. There is no question I could think to ask about lawns and grass that isn’t addressed in this book, ands all the information is arranged logically so that I wouldn’t have to spend too much time searching. For anyone who needed further information there is a list of Internet resources at the end.

I’m usually a bit wary of books calling themselves “The Bible of....” but this book really provides all the leadership and advice you need about lawns. Written by a master whose lawns and grass are wide open to the criticism of thousands each week, you can be confident the book is authoritative. It also has quotes from groundskeepers of other well-known sports fields.

If your lawn doesn’t look good to you, invest in this book. It’s readable, the material well arranged and presented, and it tells you all you’ll ever need to know about lawns.

The Lawn Expert, 28 Aug 2008
A great collection of books, very easy to read and understand.
Contains all the information on Lawns, soils and when and what to use to keep your lawn healthy and looking green.


Just one book on lawns!!, 31 Mar 2008
If you are just seeking one book on lawns and their care, buy this one. Although the content in parts is dated the basic techniques are still relevant today. In today's climate of ecology and organics the high use of chemicals is frowned upon but this was not the case when the first edition was written, also the author worked in the chemical industry.
Dr D.G. Hessayon's approach is basic and not flowered, yet is easily understood.

So you thought a lawn was just grass?, 24 Nov 2007
If you want to know how short you should cut your grass in mid-May, as opposed to the end of August, or why nitrogen-rich lawn feed should be avoided in the autumn, then this is the book for you. The author has an amusing style of writing that conjures up images of an ex public-school master obsessed with his lawn. Basically, anyone who doesn't have a £1500 Atco Balmoral cylinder mower, a warehouse full of potash, lome and other essential nutrients, and a bowling green for a lawn is a Philistine. Take the chapter (half a page!) devoted to synthetic lawns, for example: "For many gardeners, the idea of using plastic lawn at home is an obscenity" - you've got to love him :-) Even the 'photographs' are those delicious water-paint illustrations I used to see in 1960s Ladybird Learn to Read books as a child. A wealth of information, well worth the selling price.

Totally comprehensive, 21 Nov 2006
I have had this book for years and read it when I first got it. A first class reference book and "recipe" for a perfect lawn. Has sections on types of grass (how many?) weeds and pests that you get in lawns and a useful section on what to do in each month of the year. Follow this for a few years and you will end up with a beautiful English lawn. But beware you won't be doing anything else its a full time job !

OK, but not for me, 09 Apr 2002
This book doesn't really take the approach that I was interested in, in lawn management. The author is very enthusiastic about a perfect lawn at all costs. Their attitude towards worms is curious - they are a BAD THING and "unfortunately, worm killer is no longer available". The solution to most problems is the addition of chemicals, and then some more chemicals.

Targeted for an American Audience, 11 Jun 2004
This book is American, and as such is full of Americanisms, right down to referring to turf as sod. Helpful hints include the suggestion that if Sunday morning is the only time you can cut your grass then you should bake cinammon rolls to appease the neighbours. (Where did I put that vomit bag?)

I didn't like the style or the presentation of this book. There were anecdotal infills from groundsmen of USA football fields and the like which were of little relevance or interest to a British reader. If you want a UK biased book about lawncare I would recommend The Lawn Expert which some regard as a bible.

Lots of good info, 18 Nov 2003
Most home owners, even non-gardeners want an attractive lawn. It is, after all, one of the largest aspects of most suburban homes, it’s what the visitor and the passer-by sees first - and those first impressions are so-o-o important. And most home owners are not too happy with their lawn. It has bare spots, moss, weeds and the track left by the paper delivery person. These home owners need “The Lawn Bible”.

Written by Fenway Park’s master groundskeeper (it's the American equivalent of Headingley cricket ground), who has faced more grass issues than the rest of us put together, it has everything the grass-grower needs to make him or her the lawn meister of the neighbourhood. The writer stats by taking a look at a single grass plant and moves on to discuss the most basic element of a good lawn - the soil. He discusses seeding, instant lawns, watering, mowing (including your own design of stripes) replacing old lawns, weeds, insect pests and diseases. There is no question I could think to ask about lawns and grass that isn’t addressed in this book, ands all the information is arranged logically so that I wouldn’t have to spend too much time searching. For anyone who needed further information there is a list of Internet resources at the end.

I’m usually a bit wary of books calling themselves “The Bible of....” but this book really provides all the leadership and advice you need about lawns. Written by a master whose lawns and grass are wide open to the criticism of thousands each week, you can be confident the book is authoritative. It also has quotes from groundskeepers of other well-known sports fields.

If your lawn doesn’t look good to you, invest in this book. It’s readable, the material well arranged and presented, and it tells you all you’ll ever need to know about lawns.

No More Lawns!, 30 Dec 2003
Have you ever wondered why front yards in North America consist mainly of lawn? Is there a law that demands this? The writer starts by briefly reviewing the history of our love/hate affair with the front lawn and pointing out how costly they are in labour, water and poisonous chemicals.

The writer then explains how she changed her ordinary, lawn-filled front yard into a garden, working around the objections of her husband. From there she explains the groundwork that must be undertaken when a plain front yard is changed into a garden. Most of the remaining chapters discuss different types of gardens - cottage gardens, minimalist gardens, small city gardens and so on. The writer presents each topic and then introduces gardeners who have developed variations on this theme. The final chapter “Overcoming Obstacles” shows how gardeners have coped with dry soil, steep gardens, a garden that must incorporate a fire hydrant or a power pole and so on. There is a reasonable resource list at the end.

This is a really useful book for people who are tired of the front lawn but don’t know quite what else to do with the space. The approach is relaxed and personal and has examples of gardens from Ontario to Texas. While written for the North American market, the ideas and suggestions are valid for the U. K. too.The advice is practical, the illustrations are relevant and show the gardens at different seasons. The writer knows her topic thoroughly and has given us a very readable and attractive garden book.

The Lawn Expert, 28 Aug 2008
A great collection of books, very easy to read and understand.
Contains all the information on Lawns, soils and when and what to use to keep your lawn healthy and looking green.


Just one book on lawns!!, 31 Mar 2008
If you are just seeking one book on lawns and their care, buy this one. Although the content in parts is dated the basic techniques are still relevant today. In today's climate of ecology and organics the high use of chemicals is frowned upon but this was not the case when the first edition was written, also the author worked in the chemical industry.
Dr D.G. Hessayon's approach is basic and not flowered, yet is easily understood.

So you thought a lawn was just grass?, 24 Nov 2007
If you want to know how short you should cut your grass in mid-May, as opposed to the end of August, or why nitrogen-rich lawn feed should be avoided in the autumn, then this is the book for you. The author has an amusing style of writing that conjures up images of an ex public-school master obsessed with his lawn. Basically, anyone who doesn't have a £1500 Atco Balmoral cylinder mower, a warehouse full of potash, lome and other essential nutrients, and a bowling green for a lawn is a Philistine. Take the chapter (half a page!) devoted to synthetic lawns, for example: "For many gardeners, the idea of using plastic lawn at home is an obscenity" - you've got to love him :-) Even the 'photographs' are those delicious water-paint illustrations I used to see in 1960s Ladybird Learn to Read books as a child. A wealth of information, well worth the selling price.

Totally comprehensive, 21 Nov 2006
I have had this book for years and read it when I first got it. A first class reference book and "recipe" for a perfect lawn. Has sections on types of grass (how many?) weeds and pests that you get in lawns and a useful section on what to do in each month of the year. Follow this for a few years and you will end up with a beautiful English lawn. But beware you won't be doing anything else its a full time job !

OK, but not for me, 09 Apr 2002
This book doesn't really take the approach that I was interested in, in lawn management. The author is very enthusiastic about a perfect lawn at all costs. Their attitude towards worms is curious - they are a BAD THING and "unfortunately, worm killer is no longer available". The solution to most problems is the addition of chemicals, and then some more chemicals.

Targeted for an American Audience, 11 Jun 2004
This book is American, and as such is full of Americanisms, right down to referring to turf as sod. Helpful hints include the suggestion that if Sunday morning is the only time you can cut your grass then you should bake cinammon rolls to appease the neighbours. (Where did I put that vomit bag?)

I didn't like the style or the presentation of this book. There were anecdotal infills from groundsmen of USA football fields and the like which were of little relevance or interest to a British reader. If you want a UK biased book about lawncare I would recommend The Lawn Expert which some regard as a bible.

Lots of good info, 18 Nov 2003
Most home owners, even non-gardeners want an attractive lawn. It is, after all, one of the largest aspects of most suburban homes, it’s what the visitor and the passer-by sees first - and those first impressions are so-o-o important. And most home owners are not too happy with their lawn. It has bare spots, moss, weeds and the track left by the paper delivery person. These home owners need “The Lawn Bible”.

Written by Fenway Park’s master groundskeeper (it's the American equivalent of Headingley cricket ground), who has faced more grass issues than the rest of us put together, it has everything the grass-grower needs to make him or her the lawn meister of the neighbourhood. The writer stats by taking a look at a single grass plant and moves on to discuss the most basic element of a good lawn - the soil. He discusses seeding, instant lawns, watering, mowing (including your own design of stripes) replacing old lawns, weeds, insect pests and diseases. There is no question I could think to ask about lawns and grass that isn’t addressed in this book, ands all the information is arranged logically so that I wouldn’t have to spend too much time searching. For anyone who needed further information there is a list of Internet resources at the end.

I’m usually a bit wary of books calling themselves “The Bible of....” but this book really provides all the leadership and advice you need about lawns. Written by a master whose lawns and grass are wide open to the criticism of thousands each week, you can be confident the book is authoritative. It also has quotes from groundskeepers of other well-known sports fields.

If your lawn doesn’t look good to you, invest in this book. It’s readable, the material well arranged and presented, and it tells you all you’ll ever need to know about lawns.

No More Lawns!, 30 Dec 2003
Have you ever wondered why front yards in North America consist mainly of lawn? Is there a law that demands this? The writer starts by briefly reviewing the history of our love/hate affair with the front lawn and pointing out how costly they are in labour, water and poisonous chemicals.

The writer then explains how she changed her ordinary, lawn-filled front yard into a garden, working around the objections of her husband. From there she explains the groundwork that must be undertaken when a plain front yard is changed into a garden. Most of the remaining chapters discuss different types of gardens - cottage gardens, minimalist gardens, small city gardens and so on. The writer presents each topic and then introduces gardeners who have developed variations on this theme. The final chapter “Overcoming Obstacles” shows how gardeners have coped with dry soil, steep gardens, a garden that must incorporate a fire hydrant or a power pole and so on. There is a reasonable resource list at the end.

This is a really useful book for people who are tired of the front lawn but don’t know quite what else to do with the space. The approach is relaxed and personal and has examples of gardens from Ontario to Texas. While written for the North American market, the ideas and suggestions are valid for the U. K. too.The advice is practical, the illustrations are relevant and show the gardens at different seasons. The writer knows her topic thoroughly and has given us a very readable and attractive garden book.

Lots of Good Advice, But Wasted Photos, 21 Mar 1999
This book is an excellent reference on everything you would want to know on how to start, repair or maintain a lawn, but it doesn't answer some really, really basic questions, like "What kind of grass do I have?" The photos are just fluff, and could have been better used to identify grass types, weeds or lawn problems.

Great beginning view of lawn possibilities., 15 Sep 1998
Having never had a lawn before, I needed a very basic, gentle introduction to what it means to have and care for a lawn - and this book delivers just that. It also covers topics I might not have thought about ahead of time, including lawn disease and alternate ground covers. The ambient sense of humor makes what could appear to be a very intimidating project seem more like fun than work. My only objection - the color photos are wasted on shots of random lawns. I would have preferred to see these photos used to show examples that are best viewed, rather than textually described... such as grass types, insect & disease damage, weeds, etc.

Overall, this book has given me a great overview of my entire lawn project, and I can't wait to get started.

The Lawn Expert, 28 Aug 2008
A great collection of books, very easy to read and understand.
Contains all the information on Lawns, soils and when and what to use to keep your lawn healthy and looking green.


Just one book on lawns!!, 31 Mar 2008
If you are just seeking one book on lawns and their care, buy this one. Although the content in parts is dated the basic techniques are still relevant today. In today's climate of ecology and organics the high use of chemicals is frowned upon but this was not the case when the first edition was written, also the author worked in the chemical industry.
Dr D.G. Hessayon's approach is basic and not flowered, yet is easily understood.

So you thought a lawn was just grass?, 24 Nov 2007
If you want to know how short you should cut your grass in mid-May, as opposed to the end of August, or why nitrogen-rich lawn feed should be avoided in the autumn, then this is the book for you. The author has an amusing style of writing that conjures up images of an ex public-school master obsessed with his lawn. Basically, anyone who doesn't have a £1500 Atco Balmoral cylinder mower, a warehouse full of potash, lome and other essential nutrients, and a bowling green for a lawn is a Philistine. Take the chapter (half a page!) devoted to synthetic lawns, for example: "For many gardeners, the idea of using plastic lawn at home is an obscenity" - you've got to love him :-) Even the 'photographs' are those delicious water-paint illustrations I used to see in 1960s Ladybird Learn to Read books as a child. A wealth of information, well worth the selling price.

Totally comprehensive, 21 Nov 2006
I have had this book for years and read it when I first got it. A first class reference book and "recipe" for a perfect lawn. Has sections on types of grass (how many?) weeds and pests that you get in lawns and a useful section on what to do in each month of the year. Follow this for a few years and you will end up with a beautiful English lawn. But beware you won't be doing anything else its a full time job !

OK, but not for me, 09 Apr 2002
This book doesn't really take the approach that I was interested in, in lawn management. The author is very enthusiastic about a perfect lawn at all costs. Their attitude towards worms is curious - they are a BAD THING and "unfortunately, worm killer is no longer available". The solution to most problems is the addition of chemicals, and then some more chemicals.

Targeted for an American Audience, 11 Jun 2004
This book is American, and as such is full of Americanisms, right down to referring to turf as sod. Helpful hints include the suggestion that if Sunday morning is the only time you can cut your grass then you should bake cinammon rolls to appease the neighbours. (Where did I put that vomit bag?)

I didn't like the style or the presentation of this book. There were anecdotal infills from groundsmen of USA football fields and the like which were of little relevance or interest to a British reader. If you want a UK biased book about lawncare I would recommend The Lawn Expert which some regard as a bible.

Lots of good info, 18 Nov 2003
Most home owners, even non-gardeners want an attractive lawn. It is, after all, one of the largest aspects of most suburban homes, it’s what the visitor and the passer-by sees first - and those first impressions are so-o-o important. And most home owners are not too happy with their lawn. It has bare spots, moss, weeds and the track left by the paper delivery person. These home owners need “The Lawn Bible”.

Written by Fenway Park’s master groundskeeper (it's the American equivalent of Headingley cricket ground), who has faced more grass issues than the rest of us put together, it has everything the grass-grower needs to make him or her the lawn meister of the neighbourhood. The writer stats by taking a look at a single grass plant and moves on to discuss the most basic element of a good lawn - the soil. He discusses seeding, instant lawns, watering, mowing (including your own design of stripes) replacing old lawns, weeds, insect pests and diseases. There is no question I could think to ask about lawns and grass that isn’t addressed in this book, ands all the information is arranged logically so that I wouldn’t have to spend too much time searching. For anyone who needed further information there is a list of Internet resources at the end.

I’m usually a bit wary of books calling themselves “The Bible of....” but this book really provides all the leadership and advice you need about lawns. Written by a master whose lawns and grass are wide open to the criticism of thousands each week, you can be confident the book is authoritative. It also has quotes from groundskeepers of other well-known sports fields.

If your lawn doesn’t look good to you, invest in this book. It’s readable, the material well arranged and presented, and it tells you all you’ll ever need to know about lawns.

No More Lawns!, 30 Dec 2003
Have you ever wondered why front yards in North America consist mainly of lawn? Is there a law that demands this? The writer starts by briefly reviewing the history of our love/hate affair with the front lawn and pointing out how costly they are in labour, water and poisonous chemicals.

The writer then explains how she changed her ordinary, lawn-filled front yard into a garden, working around the objections of her husband. From there she explains the groundwork that must be undertaken when a plain front yard is changed into a garden. Most of the remaining chapters discuss different types of gardens - cottage gardens, minimalist gardens, small city gardens and so on. The writer presents each topic and then introduces gardeners who have developed variations on this theme. The final chapter “Overcoming Obstacles” shows how gardeners have coped with dry soil, steep gardens, a garden that must incorporate a fire hydrant or a power pole and so on. There is a reasonable resource list at the end.

This is a really useful book for people who are tired of the front lawn but don’t know quite what else to do with the space. The approach is relaxed and personal and has examples of gardens from Ontario to Texas. While written for the North American market, the ideas and suggestions are valid for the U. K. too.The advice is practical, the illustrations are relevant and show the gardens at different seasons. The writer knows her topic thoroughly and has given us a very readable and attractive garden book.

Lots of Good Advice, But Wasted Photos, 21 Mar 1999
This book is an excellent reference on everything you would want to know on how to start, repair or maintain a lawn, but it doesn't answer some really, really basic questions, like "What kind of grass do I have?" The photos are just fluff, and could have been better used to identify grass types, weeds or lawn problems.

Great beginning view of lawn possibilities., 15 Sep 1998
Having never had a lawn before, I needed a very basic, gentle introduction to what it means to have and care for a lawn - and this book delivers just that. It also covers topics I might not have thought about ahead of time, including lawn disease and alternate ground covers. The ambient sense of humor makes what could appear to be a very intimidating project seem more like fun than work. My only objection - the color photos are wasted on shots of random lawns. I would have preferred to see these photos used to show examples that are best viewed, rather than textually described... such as grass types, insect & disease damage, weeds, etc.

Overall, this book has given me a great overview of my entire lawn project, and I can't wait to get started.

great look at the history of the so-called "green" industry, 20 Jun 1998
a fun insightful look at the western fascination with the lawn

Grass as an American cultural obsession, 22 Jan 1998
Before you go purchase that big bag o' Kentucky Bluegrass seed, read this book. It's a comprehensive history, cultural and ecological critique of something we usually don't think twice about-- the lush, green, overfertilized and ultimately sterile front lawn. Jenkins has a sense of humor about her subject, but doesn't let it mask the very real implications of what happens when all that fertilizer and insecticide almost every suburbanite pours onto their lawns gets into the larger ecosystem. If you are into American pop culture, environmentalism, class history or even just a good non-fiction read, this book is for you.

The Lawn Expert, 28 Aug 2008
A great collection of books, very easy to read and understand.
Contains all the information on Lawns, soils and when and what to use to keep your lawn healthy and looking green.


Just one book on lawns!!, 31 Mar 2008
If you are just seeking one book on lawns and their care, buy this one. Although the content in parts is dated the basic techniques are still relevant today. In today's climate of ecology and organics the high use of chemicals is frowned upon but this was not the case when the first edition was written, also the author worked in the chemical industry.
Dr D.G. Hessayon's approach is basic and not flowered, yet is easily understood.

So you thought a lawn was just grass?, 24 Nov 2007
If you want to know how short you should cut your grass in mid-May, as opposed to the end of August, or why nitrogen-rich lawn feed should be avoided in the autumn, then this is the book for you. The author has an amusing style of writing that conjures up images of an ex public-school master obsessed with his lawn. Basically, anyone who doesn't have a £1500 Atco Balmoral cylinder mower, a warehouse full of potash, lome and other essential nutrients, and a bowling green for a lawn is a Philistine. Take the chapter (half a page!) devoted to synthetic lawns, for example: "For many gardeners, the idea of using plastic lawn at home is an obscenity" - you've got to love him :-) Even the 'photographs' are those delicious water-paint illustrations I used to see in 1960s Ladybird Learn to Read books as a child. A wealth of information, well worth the selling price.

Totally comprehensive, 21 Nov 2006
I have had this book for years and read it when I first got it. A first class reference book and "recipe" for a perfect lawn. Has sections on types of grass (how many?) weeds and pests that you get in lawns and a useful section on what to do in each month of the year. Follow this for a few years and you will end up with a beautiful English lawn. But beware you won't be doing anything else its a full time job !

OK, but not for me, 09 Apr 2002
This book doesn't really take the approach that I was interested in, in lawn management. The author is very enthusiastic about a perfect lawn at all costs. Their attitude towards worms is curious - they are a BAD THING and "unfortunately, worm killer is no longer available". The solution to most problems is the addition of chemicals, and then some more chemicals.

Targeted for an American Audience, 11 Jun 2004
This book is American, and as such is full of Americanisms, right down to referring to turf as sod. Helpful hints include the suggestion that if Sunday morning is the only time you can cut your grass then you should bake cinammon rolls to appease the neighbours. (Where did I put that vomit bag?)

I didn't like the style or the presentation of this book. There were anecdotal infills from groundsmen of USA football fields and the like which were of little relevance or interest to a British reader. If you want a UK biased book about lawncare I would recommend The Lawn Expert which some regard as a bible.

Lots of good info, 18 Nov 2003
Most home owners, even non-gardeners want an attractive lawn. It is, after all, one of the largest aspects of most suburban homes, it’s what the visitor and the passer-by sees first - and those first impressions are so-o-o important. And most home owners are not too happy with their lawn. It has bare spots, moss, weeds and the track left by the paper delivery person. These home owners need “The Lawn Bible”.

Written by Fenway Park’s master groundskeeper (it's the American equivalent of Headingley cricket ground), who has faced more grass issues than the rest of us put together, it has everything the grass-grower needs to make him or her the lawn meister of the neighbourhood. The writer stats by taking a look at a single grass plant and moves on to discuss the most basic element of a good lawn - the soil. He discusses seeding, instant lawns, watering, mowing (including your own design of stripes) replacing old lawns, weeds, insect pests and diseases. There is no question I could think to ask about lawns and grass that isn’t addressed in this book, ands all the information is arranged logically so that I wouldn’t have to spend too much time searching. For anyone who needed further information there is a list of Internet resources at the end.

I’m usually a bit wary of books calling themselves “The Bible of....” but this book really provides all the leadership and advice you need about lawns. Written by a master whose lawns and grass are wide open to the criticism of thousands each week, you can be confident the book is authoritative. It also has quotes from groundskeepers of other well-known sports fields.

If your lawn doesn’t look good to you, invest in this book. It’s readable, the material well arranged and presented, and it tells you all you’ll ever need to know about lawns.

No More Lawns!, 30 Dec 2003
Have you ever wondered why front yards in North America consist mainly of lawn? Is there a law that demands this? The writer starts by briefly reviewing the history of our love/hate affair with the front lawn and pointing out how costly they are in labour, water and poisonous chemicals.

The writer then explains how she changed her ordinary, lawn-filled front yard into a garden, working around the objections of her husband. From there she explains the groundwork that must be undertaken when a plain front yard is changed into a garden. Most of the remaining chapters discuss different types of gardens - cottage gardens, minimalist gardens, small city gardens and so on. The writer presents each topic and then introduces gardeners who have developed variations on this theme. The final chapter “Overcoming Obstacles” shows how gardeners have coped with dry soil, steep gardens, a garden that must incorporate a fire hydrant or a power pole and so on. There is a reasonable resource list at the end.

This is a really useful book for people who are tired of the front lawn but don’t know quite what else to do with the space. The approach is relaxed and personal and has examples of gardens from Ontario to Texas. While written for the North American market, the ideas and suggestions are valid for the U. K. too.The advice is practical, the illustrations are relevant and show the gardens at different seasons. The writer knows her topic thoroughly and has given us a very readable and attractive garden book.

Lots of Good Advice, But Wasted Photos, 21 Mar 1999
This book is an excellent reference on everything you would want to know on how to start, repair or maintain a lawn, but it doesn't answer some really, really basic questions, like "What kind of grass do I have?" The photos are just fluff, and could have been better used to identify grass types, weeds or lawn problems.

Great beginning view of lawn possibilities., 15 Sep 1998
Having never had a lawn before, I needed a very basic, gentle introduction to what it means to have and care for a lawn - and this book delivers just that. It also covers topics I might not have thought about ahead of time, including lawn disease and alternate ground covers. The ambient sense of humor makes what could appear to be a very intimidating project seem more like fun than work. My only objection - the color photos are wasted on shots of random lawns. I would have preferred to see these photos used to show examples that are best viewed, rather than textually described... such as grass types, insect & disease damage, weeds, etc.

Overall, this book has given me a great overview of my entire lawn project, and I can't wait to get started.

great look at the history of the so-called "green" industry, 20 Jun 1998
a fun insightful look at the western fascination with the lawn

Grass as an American cultural obsession, 22 Jan 1998
Before you go purchase that big bag o' Kentucky Bluegrass seed, read this book. It's a comprehensive history, cultural and ecological critique of something we usually don't think twice about-- the lush, green, overfertilized and ultimately sterile front lawn. Jenkins has a sense of humor about her subject, but doesn't let it mask the very real implications of what happens when all that fertilizer and insecticide almost every suburbanite pours onto their lawns gets into the larger ecosystem. If you are into American pop culture, environmentalism, class history or even just a good non-fiction read, this book is for you.

Taking Your Grass Care a Cut Above Where It Is Today!, 09 May 2004
Summary: Picture Perfect is the ultimate resource for those who want to add even more beauty and interest to their grass by growing and maintaining healthier turf and cutting it in original and beautiful patterns.

Review: Mr. Mellor is the Director of Grounds for the Boston Red Sox baseball team and is thoroughly knowledgeable about grass. His advice is sound, thorough, and easy-to-follow. He has you begin by testing your soil to see what it is missing, establishing your turf properly, fertilizing appropriately, fighting off weeds and disease, mowing properly with the right equipment, and solving problems.

Once that grass is in place, he moves on to explain the art of adding patterns to the grass by using rollers with the mower to push the grass down. The color plates show many examples of this art form, which will intrigue you. If you are like me, you expected to see only geometric shapes using straight lines. Instead, you find gentle waves and delicate crossing patterns of all kinds.

Having worked in my father's gardening business when I was a youngster, I wish I had known about establishing these patterns. It certainly would have helped to relieve the boredom of cutting the same yards in one of three patterns time after time.

The directions are very helpful for how to deal with special problems, like temporary damage, making a mistake in the pattern, and repeating a pattern (you are encouraged to photograph your work to learn from what you have done).

Picture Perfect also has a long list of resources you can access, especially from the Internet.

Although the quality of the design and the printing are not as high as the contents deserve, the material is strong enough to carry the result to five star level. One does hope, however, that a future printing will create a version more like an art book to better feature the examples.

After you finish becoming an expert on turf design, I suggest that you think about where else you can exercise your creativity in your yard. Have you considered sculpting shrubs like they do in the Disney theme parks? How about designing a sculpture garden? Do you have a Zen garden area yet?

Create a better balance between the views in your yard and the thoughts in your mind. Let the reverbrations of inspiration take you to new heights of thought and harmony!