Lawn & Garden Resource Guide
These articles were written by Jim Hermann, aka The Old Guy with the Ponytail. Currently, Jim works in our Annandale location. Before coming to Mendham Garden Center, Jim worked on athletic fields for 30 years. He has an extensive knowledge of all things green. Whether you are starting from bare dirt, or just want to give your current lawn a refresh, we can help you. You can stop by any of our three locations or give us a call and our knowledgeable staff will do their best to find the right products for your lawns and gardens!
"My interest in turf management started in the early 80’s when I worked at a thoroughbred training facility constructing a 5/8 mile turf racetrack. I was responsible for the care of that track so I attended Rutgers continuing education classes to learn more about turf management . When I left the thoroughbred facility I started a turf care business and ultimately specialized in athletic field management where I became a certified sports field manager. At that time there were only about 70 in the country. Over the next 40 years, I developed an extensive knowledge of all things green and that has truly been my joy. It is my pleasure as well to share that knowledge with any and all. I can be found most days at Mendham Garden Center in Annandale. Just ask for The Old Guy With The Ponytail..."
Preparing Your Garden for Spring
By, the Old Guy with the Ponytail How do you prepare your garden for spring? At the end of the growing season, it’s time to
Effects of Proper Mowing on Lawn Quality
By, the Old Guy with the Ponytail We all know that not mowing in a timely manner severely impacts visual turf quality but what else
Want a Beautiful Lawn? Address These Limiting Factors
By, the Old Guy with the Ponytail When you look out at your lawn, what do you see? Is it a green expanse, filled with
Soil First – Part 1: Soil Physical Evaluation
By, the Old Guy with the Ponytail Someone once said “you can grow grass on a rock, just give it what it needs,” but the
Benefits of Fall Lawn Fertilization
By, the Old Guy with the Ponytail In the fall, more than any other time of year, your lawn manufactures carbohydrates. It manufactures these carbohydrates
Improve Your Lawn This Fall
By, the Old Guy with the Ponytail Fall is the time to repair and improve your lawn. Throughout the summer, dry weather and heat coupled
Soil First – Part 2: Managing Soil Compaction
By, The Old Guy with the Ponytail Soil compaction affects every aspect of turf quality. Addressing compaction is an important part of effective lawn management.
Soil First – Part 3: Soil Testing for Nutrient Availability
By, The Old Guy with the Ponytail Soil testing is the first step in determining nutrient availability. A soil analysis provides the levels of all
Time to Plan your Lawn Care Program
By, the Old Guy with the Pony Tail If you wait until the grass is growing to plan your lawn care program in the spring,
Weed Control in the Home Lawn
By, the Old Guy with the Pony Tail Weeds come in many shapes and sizes but more importantly, they have different growth habits. These growth
Insect Control in the Home Lawn
By, the Old Guy with the Pony Tail Lawn insects come in many shapes and sizes but basically, they either feed on the grass stems
Lawn Thatching
By, the Old Guy with the Pony Tail Thatching your lawn is a very effective way to rejuvenate an older lawn or help to establish
Broadcast Spreader Calibration
By, the Old Guy with the Pony Tail Effective lawn care requires accurate granular product application. Broadcast spreader calibration is necessary for an effective application.
Cultural Practices to Compliment Your MGC Lawn Care Program
By, the Old Guy with the Pony Tail Soil Aeration: Soil aeration equipment comes in many shapes and sizes. This equipment can range from very