9-11 Changed Everything for the Garden Tractor Business

While traveling the US and occasionally taking the back highways one might have seen an interesting trend. That is the proliferation of the Lawn Garden tractors. They are everywhere and on any weekend you can see their owners mowing the grass. Previously fewer people had garden tractors but right after 9-11 everyone decided to stay home more and so they invested in things they wanted around the house, like BBQs and garden tractors. The manager of the Wal-Mart Super Center in Witchita Falls, TX said we have about 50 garden tractors out side for sale at any one time and they turn over quickly. We checked the prices and they are very affordable. You can peruse Wal-Mart's online catalog at Walmart.com and see the selection.

Now we took some back roads and highways on our last trip from coast to coast to see America and Home Town Americana and what did we see? We counted in TN, AL, VA, NJ, LA, MS, TX 143 people riding garden tractors, actually on them as we passed mowing the tall grass. Now these garden tractors are not free even though they are a good bargain. With the Spring bringing rain and lawns growing fast, there are many lawns which have grown tall, and they must be mowed to prevent tall grass growing and dying. If you have cattle or goats, then they can eat it down to where it needs to be, but if you want it have a manicured lawn then you must get one of these killer little units, most are made here in America. As well as many of the parts, which is good for manufacturing jobs stateside. Sales for garden tractors are strong and top out the profit margin for categories at Wal-Mart. This is an incredible plus for little towns like Statesboro, GA where Briggs and Stratton has a plant, which produces small engines. It is good for our steel industry and automotive sector parts makers, which can also build tractor parts rather than laying off people.

Why is this good for America? Why is it not? Well it is good because it prevents grass from getting too tall and becoming fire hazard. It is good because it uplifts Americans and gives them a sense of pride in their property, helps with an ownership society buy-in attitude and perhaps will help them decide to finally get rid of those average of 5 non-running cars in the backyards rusting and polluting ground and well water of our small towns. It helps people care for their homes and their families by doing something positive at home. Homes and BBQs and family has become a greater priority since the mass media hysteria striking unnecessary fear in the American Public post 9-11.

Why is it not good for America? Well we have lots of mulch and grass clippings which if set aside produces methane gas, tons of it is released into our atmosphere. If it is covered, which normally it is not, the methane gas from the dead grass could be recovered and used for biomass fuel. It is not good because push mowers are better for your health, because it gets you out and about and helps you stay fit; although with the high humidity in the Midwest and East Coast States perhaps that might cause problems with heat stroke. Either way a ride on lawn mower is not a luxury anymore, America has made it a necessity and that means jobs, that means more beautiful homesteads and happier family life and time to watch the ball game because the "Honey Do's" just got that much easier while sitting back and driving on the grass. It saves a lot of money too, because if you think you want to cruise into town in you pickup or SUV it is going to cost you $3.00 per gallon and $20.00 round trip minimum. From the back roads of America, that is our report. Drive safe; drive a garden tractor. Think about it.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

---

Gardening is Good Therapy

Many of us garden just for the sheer joy of it. But did you know that all over the country the healing aspects of gardening are being used as therapy or as an... Read More

Homemade Hummingbird Nectar

HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR RECIPEWe love hummingbirds and love to watch them throughout the day, especially after a long day, relaxing in our backyard nature retreat.We have 4 feeders that are strategically located throughout our... Read More

How to Control Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is found throughout southern Canada and most of the United States except Alaska and Hawaii. It is readily found along road sides, fences, railroads, and streams. But it can also be... Read More

Simple Lawnmower Maintenance

Do you have trouble starting your lawnmower up in the spring? Before deciding to take your lawnmower in for repair, try these few simple suggestions. After completing them most of the time your... Read More

Mustard: The Greatest Among The Herbs

Mustard plants have been used for thousands of years for their pungent flavour in condiments, spicy greens for side dishes and salads, and in traditional folk medicine and Chinese herbal medicine to treat... Read More

Tips for Choosing a Chiminea for Your Backyard or Patio

Imagine that you want to stay warm in your backyard on a cool, starry night. One of the ways you can do so is to invest in a clay or cast iron chiminea.... Read More

What is Compost Tea?

Organic gardeners all know compost is fantastic stuff. But now, there's something even better and that's compost tea. If you start with a good compost you'll have a versatile elixir for all your... Read More

Straw Bale Culture Technique

In general, plants grown in straw bales appear to require less water than when grown in soil. Another benefit to using straw bale culture is the garden bed will turn into compost offering... Read More

Skip The Pesticide And Use Natural Alternatives

For best health, it is important to keep your environment as chemical free as possible. With better weather coming up, consider this:Many people do not realize that using pesticides and weed killers on... Read More

Seeding Flowers Indoors: An Inexpensive Way to a Beautiful Summer Garden

Every year you plan that THIS will be the year you have pots and pots of lush plants on your balcony or deck. Then you visit your local nursery in the spring and... Read More

Vermicomposting - Worm Composters For Eco-Friendly Waste Disposal and Recycling

Worms are not only the gardener's best friend, they are also the recycler's new found best friend as well. Nature's little waste disposal experts have found a new place in eco-conscious household's across... Read More

Planting Roses in Pots

In years past, serious rosarians would never consider having a potted rose on their property unless it was just waiting for its home to be prepared in the garden.Times have changed and potted... Read More

Oregano: Joy of the Mountain

Known as "joy of the mountain," Origanum vulgare is commonly called culinary oregano or Turkish oregano. Oregano is a close relative of marjoram and is also known as pot marjoram. Similar in taste... Read More

Creativity with Ponds

Here's where your creative instincts kick in. This is where you make your pond your own. Basically, it's landscaping, but with a pond it can really become an artistic endeavor.Sandstone, bricks, slate, field... Read More

Gardening - Natural Science NOT Rocket Science

Don't force yourself out of the most profitable hobby in the universe because you think it's too hard to learn ...It isn't!Gardening is fast becoming the world's number one hobby, and with all... Read More

Perfume Your Garden and Home with Gardenias

One of my favorite plants is the large white-flowered Mystery Gardenia (gardenia jasminoides) that grows to about 5' tall and wide. The perfume-like scent adds an exotic feeling to gardens. Plus, the large... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening - An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners (Part 5) Plant Growth

PLANT GROWTH & PHYSIOLOGY. (Part 5)There are three classes of plants. Each of these classes metabolize in a different way. The first class are succulent plants called CAM. These plants like low light... Read More

How to Build a Shed

The easiest way to build a shed in the backyard is to make a trip to the local Lowe's or other hardware shop to purchase a shed-building kit.Never choose one from a picture... Read More

Are There Really Black Roses?

Throughout the course of time, black roses have conjured up a variety of symbolic meanings. From unnatural worlds to death, vengeance, farewell or rebirth, the black rose has come to be viewed... Read More

With Outdoor Lighting You Can Enjoy Your Garden Into The Evening Hours

It is a beautiful evening and you are relaxing on your patio, enjoying the cool summer air. The flowers are blooming, the lawn is green and lush, everything is perfect, if only you... Read More

How to Raise House Plants from Seeds Easily

The principal house plants which are easy to raise by sowing seeds are Aloe (succulent plant), Asparagus species, Begonia semper-florensundB. rex, cacti (many kinds), Clivia, Cyclamen, Eucalyptus, Fuchsia (varieties), Grevillea robusta, Opuntia, Passijiora,... Read More

16 Lawn Mower Safety Tips

1. Always read the instruction manual before operating your lawnmower. I know it sounds boring but there is a very good reason you are supposed to read it (didn't you ever wonder why... Read More

How to Grow a Pineapple

The first thing you need to grow a pineapple is a pineapple. The pineapple (ananas comosus) is a bromeliad; in fact, one of the few in its family that is edible. However, the... Read More

Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea

If you love herbal teas, as I do, you know they are just a little bit pricey. However, growing your own herbs is easy and so much fun!Here are just a few of... Read More

Growing and Preserving Cut Flowers

There is nothing more cheerful than vases full of fresh flowers placed around the house that have been grown and cut from your own garden. A cut flower is one that has been... Read More

Lawn Care Information

Recent lawn care information reports that a lot of us might be guilty of over-kill when it comes to tending our family turf. What may be the most effective way to solve problems... Read More

Fall Garden Chores for Spring Flowering Bulbs

As the school busses begin to rumble down the road again we are reminded that the gardening season is drawing to a close. For the gardener with an eye toward next spring, however,... Read More

Set Out a Feast for Your Feathered Friends

February is "Feed the Birds" month in much of North America. And what great timing! If you're going through a cold winter, you can help the wintering birds that are going through it... Read More

How to Grow Chocolate Cosmos

Chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguinea) is both nose and eye candy for your garden. When it's in full bloom, mature blossoms on long, slender stems look like candy kisses on a stick and fill... Read More