Gardening is

widely accepted as the number one recreational hobby in the United States,

and during the summer months, the average adult spends nearly four hours

per week caring for the lawn and garden. The All-American Lawn Contest

enables people to showcase the fruits of their labor, and share how others

benefit from the beautiful spaces they have created.

Whether homeowners

meticulously groom their grass or simply lop a few inches off the lawn

each week, they might have what it takes to be a winner. New this year,

all qualified participants will be entered into a random drawing to win

a lawn checkup from Briggs & Stratton Yard Doctor Trey Rogers, Ph.D.

This nationally known turfgrass expert will make a special appearance

at the winner's home to assess the lawn's health, identify problem areas

and provide expert lawn care advice and maintenance tips.

The contest

runs through July 31, 2002. One grand prize winner will receive $10,000,

with four first prize winners each receiving a $1,000 Lowe's gift certificate.

To enter, contestants

must show and tell what makes their lawns worthy of the title "All-American."

Each entry must include original photos or video footage of the lawn and

a brief written description of why it should be considered. Lowe's and

Briggs & Stratton want to know how homeowners create the All-American

Lawn scene-from the activities they enjoy there to the lawn care secrets

that transform the yard from ordinary to extraordinary. Entries must demonstrate

and will be judged equally on the following categories:

· Overall

Appearance: The visual quality of the lawn;

· Creativity:

What sets one lawn apart from the others, making it unique and original;

· Best

Use of Space: Making the most of any lawn, whether it's a small strip

of grass in an urban neighborhood or a large suburban lot;

· Lawn

Care Program: The extra steps that ensure a lawn's vitality; and

· Functionality

of the Lawn: How the lawn plays a role in the everyday life of its owner

and caretaker.

For more information

about the contest and to view the lawns of previous grand prize winners,

visit the official contest Web site at www.allamericanlawn.com .

Official entry

forms are available at all participating Lowe's stores, and online at

www.lowes. com , www.briggsandstratton.com or www.allamericanlawn.com .

Official entry forms must be submitted along with color photographs or

a VHS tape of the lawn, plus a one-page description of what makes the

lawn All-American. Photographs and videotapes will not be returned. All

entries should be sent to: All-American Lawn Contest, P.O. Box 1829, Elgin,

IL 60121-1829. Official rules are available at all Lowe's stores.

Back

to Home & Garden Home Page