Mower's appeal has little to do with lawn

Rosie Dawson-Hewes. Photo/John Borren

It took my husband all of about 48 hours in our new house before he was out mowing the lawn.

To be fair, it needed doing, but I think it was actually a combination of his background in landscape architecture going largely unused in our many rental properties over the years and a chance to use one of his newest toys -a lawn mower.

Now that the patch of land we live on actually belongs to us, there's definitely a different sort of pride in its appearance.

I have always had a black thumb (been known to kill cacti, even!) but am finding myself happily discussing which trees to plant and even considering getting out to do some weeding. Despite the fact I hate weeding!

While all this is very strange and new to me, it would seem I'm actually just turning into a typical New Zealander - as Ginny from Decor Gardenworld points out on page 17 of this week's edition, a lush lawn is a Kiwi prerogative.

I suspect we'll be saving her tips for how to get a better looking lawn, as ours is currently a bit brown and scraggly, despite its fresh haircut.

And yet, despite my antigardening background, I've always dreamed of owning a ride-on mower. I haven't yet had a conversation at home about how we justify getting one for our small section, but I'm sure it's inevitable.

I blame that television ad from years ago, where the guy wins Lotto and gets a ride-on mower just for the tiny strip of grass on his driveway. We all want to be that guy, right? Or is it just me?

Seriously though, what is it about ride-on mowers that is so appealing? I reckon it has nothing at all to do with the lawn and everything to do with what is essentially a quad- bike with blades. They just look like so much fun.

I'm sure the folks at the Bay of Plenty Lawn Mower Racing Club would agree. The fact the club even exists is awesome.

The fact you can see them in action this weekend is even better.

Check out pages 22 and 23 for all the info you need.