The Grass Stitcher aims to make it easier to repair damaged patches in a lawn.

The manual device works something like a seed slitter, perforating existing sod or bare ground to improve the contact between grass seed and soil.

The device eliminates the need to dig out dead grass before reseeding. The existing sod shades the seed and helps hold in moisture while the seed germinates, the company says.

You can buy the Grass Stitcher alone or as part of a lawn repair system that includes seed and fertilizer, as well as a bag specially designed for applying them. The products can be purchased at John Deere Landscapes stores or ordered at www.grassstitcher.com.

The Grass Stitcher sells online for $99.99 to $149.99, depending on width. The lawn repair system is $124.28. Shipping is free.

Hard-to-dispose collection planned

Bring your hard-to-dispose items to a trash and recycling collection from 8:30 a.m. to noon June 16 at the West Newton Lions Club ballfield, 507 Pittsburgh St.

Dan's Tires, Veolia Environmental Services and JVS Environmental will collect materials for recycling or proper disposal.

Being collected for no charge are electronic equipment, including computers, monitors, TVs, microwaves and more. Other items will be collected for a small charge, including tires, $1.75 off rim, $2.75 on rim; and Freon appliances, $20 each.

West Newton residents can bring up to six bags of trash that is too big for regular curbside pickup at no charge.

No household chemicals will be accepted at this collection. The next Westmoreland household hazardous waste collection is schedule for Oct. 6 at Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood.

Book captures beauty of the garden

Flowers don't last. Photos do.

Organic Gardening magazine helps you create garden photos worth keeping with its new book, “The Photographic Garden: Mastering the Art of Digital Garden Photography.” In the book, author Matthew Benson shares the expertise he's developed during his career as a landscape photographer and lecturer on the topic. He teaches about light, design, postproduction and even choosing the right camera, all with an emphasis on using those skills in the garden.

Benson teaches specific techniques, such as creating movement in an image and taking tight shots. Each of those lessons is accompanied by an assignment that lets the reader practice what he or she has learned.

“The Photographic Garden” is published by Rodale and sells for $24.99 in softcover.

— Staff and wire reports

Send Homework items to Features in care of Sue Jones, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, D.L. Clark Building, 503 Martindale St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212; fax 412-320-7966; or email sjones@tribweb.com.

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