Shame on those who tend and manicure lawns as if they are a child or pet.

Lawns are currently the No. 1 “crop” in the U.S. (the biggest grower worldwide) and do nothing to contribute to the dinner table.

The idea of clear, open, space surrounding a house has historically been to keep predators from the forest at bay and let sunlight get to the ground level to grow crops.

People could do themselves and their greater community a favor and start growing food on that precious plot of land. Any food that can be produced at home means less that needs to be shipped to the supermarket from far-off places and purchased by customers. People could keep more of their hard-earned money.

A productive garden: real “homeland security.”

Reed Tinsley, West Paris