push mower

I mowed our lawn today with our push mower which we got as a hand me down from friends last summer.
I really like it for many reasons:
1) No exhaust in your face while mowing
2) Quiet (can mow while kids are sleeping)
3) Good exercise
4) No need to worry if there's enough fuel in mower
5) No need to empty grass clippings (they spread onto the lawn and act as mulch which is good for the lawn)

If you ever see one at a garage sale or even want to buy one new (or you can borrow ours), I highly recommend it.

Why plant California native plants?

I used to pick out plants I wanted in our yard only on the basis of whether they were pretty or not. Now I am a little more aware of the benefits of planting plants that are native to our area. There are many reasons to plant Native plants.

-simplicity of care: once a native plant is established it doesn't need water or fertilization to care for it in any way if we choose not to.

-less need for pest control: native plants have developed a resistance to the insects and diseases common to the area and so will maintain health without our intervention.

-restoring ecological balance: lost food and habitat for native wildlife of all kinds are restored by planting those plants they depend on in the wild.

Here is a link to a list of some California native plants: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_native_plants

Safe Weed killer

The weeds in our yard are driving me nuts! You know the little yellow flowers. They are growing in out front yard, and Victoria keeps picking them. She is also creating more weeds by picking up the dandylions and spreading their seeds everywhere!
Do you know of any kid/animal safe weed killer that will NOT kill the grass?