My husband, Jim is always kind to our menagerie of farm animals so I was not surprised when Doris, the broad-breasted hen turkey took a shine to him! She showed no fear whenever Jim came zipping by on his zero-turn mower so he stopped to see what she would do next.
Doris decided to roost on the wheel! Jim was honored that she trusted him enough to know that he would do her no harm so he took a rest and talked to her for a while before getting back to his cutting.
At the present homestead, he cuts close to 2 acres of lawn/pasture and ditches. This year it’s a constant battle to stay ahead of the tall grass due to all the rainfall.
In the thick drainage areas, he cuts twice; first with the mower set higher to not overwork the unit by tackling the very long, wet grass. Mowers need consistent care to keep in top shape and sharp blades are essential.
Talking to lawn care professionals, they agree that most homeowners cut their grass too short. When grass is left taller, the root system can withstand drought better and in a wet year can provide stronger competition against 
weeds.
Jim has overseeded our entire greenspace with white clover, which is seen by some homeowners as a lawn weed. White clover can be beneficial as the roots of clover fix nitrogen from the air into the soil and grasses close to the plants can take up some of this nutrient reducing the need for additional fertilizers. Dutch or white clover will also be the plant that stays green during drought conditions when the grasses have gone dormant. Clovers’ deep root system can also help it grow in poor soil conditions. The white clover flowers are a source of nectar for bees. It is also an economical source of feed for our free-ranging poultry. We like to purchase our clover and ground covers from Buchheit as they use a bin system that allows us to buy just enough for the job.
I am delighted that my sweetheart has another admirer but I know his heart belongs to me. Annie May
