Read by Michael Flamel

 

There’s something inherently satisfying about the smell of freshly cut grass on a warm summer day. It’s a smell that takes me back to my own childhood, spent learning the ropes of yard work and landscaping with my father. Those memories are some of the fondest I have, and I’ve always wanted to pass on that love for working the land to my own sons.

So, it was with great excitement that I introduced my two boys, Ryan and Scott, to the world of yard work when they were around 10 and 12 years old. We purchased a bright orange Husqvarna lawn tractor, and it quickly became the highlight of our suburban home. But for my boys, it wasn’t just a lawn mower; it was a rite of passage into the world of motors, mechanics, and the art of landscaping.

Both of my sons took turns at the helm of our trusty orange steed, diligently mowing our half-acre lawn each week. It was a sight to behold, watching them navigate the twists and turns of our backyard with the focused determination of seasoned farmers. Little did I know that this humble tractor would become the tool for one of the most creative and endearing moments in our family’s history.

It was near the end of one particularly hot summer day when my youngest son, Ryan, came bounding into the house, his face flushed with excitement. “Dad, you have to come see this!” he exclaimed. Intrigued, I followed him upstairs to the balcony that overlooked our backyard, unsure of what I was about to witness.

“Do you see it?” Ryan inquired, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

As I gazed down at our backyard, I was left utterly speechless. There, etched into the meticulously manicured grass, was Ryan’s name, written in elegant script. I couldn’t believe my eyes. He had transformed our backyard into a work of art, carving out his own name with the precision of a seasoned artist.

Ryan explained his creative process, and it was clear that this was no accident. He had first mowed the entire lawn a little higher than usual, creating a blank canvas. Then, with unwavering determination, he had gone back and lowered the blades, carefully crafting each letter of his name. It was a labor of love, a testament to his dedication and the skills he had honed over the summer.

That day marked the beginning of Ryan’s journey as a budding landscaper and artist. He continued to surprise us with his creative lawn designs, from intricate patterns to whimsical shapes, all meticulously executed with our trusty Husqvarna. Our backyard became a living testament to his passion and ingenuity, and neighbors and friends soon began to admire his handiwork.

As the years passed, Ryan’s passion for landscaping only grew. In fact, he spent a couple of summers working on a landscaping crew during high school and college, eventually rising to the role of crew manager. It was during those years that he truly honed his craft and developed a deep appreciation for agriculture, a path he continues to follow today.

Looking back on that fateful day when I first saw his name etched into our lawn, I can’t help but smile. It was a simple act, but it spoke volumes about his creativity and determination. It was a moment that encapsulated the joy of passing on a love for landscaping and yard work from one generation to the next, a tradition I hope will continue in our family for years to come.

So, it is with great joy that I introduce you to our GreenPrints Lawn Care Collection. I know it will provide hours of joy and laughter for you, your family and your friends. Life is fleeting, but lawn care is forever.