Houston, Texas just might be the Pretty Lawn capital of the nation. Its semi-tropical climate and lush suburban neighborhoods combine to create some truly stunning residential landscapes. St. Augustine grass spreads a glorious carpet of green on almost everybody’s yard, the scents of gardenias and magnolia blossoms abound, and springtime is always a riot of color.
The Houston area is peppered with its share of rich and/or famous residents, of course. George and Barbara Bush, many NASA astronauts, baseball legends Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, entertainer Mickey Gilley, and the infamous R. Allen Stanford all have lovely homes and gardens in the area.
Photo by Corky Ballas
There is, however, one Houston lawn that holds a special fascination. Its current owners are not particularly rich or famous, but their three-acre home site is notable. It is located in Rivercrest Estates, an upscale neighborhood near the Beltway and Westheimer. Its claim to fame? It is home to the first grass ever trimmed with a Weed Eater.
The Garage Where the Weed-Eater Was Born
Photo by Marie Brannon
Dance instructor, college professor and real estate developer George C. Ballas was a busy man, but he had a yard to mow just like everyone else. He was frustrated that his lawnmower couldn’t handle fence corners, areas around trees and other hard-to-reach spots in his large yard. Sitting in a car wash one day in 1971, watching bristles spin against his vehicle, he had a “light bulb moment”, and the Weed Eater was soon born in his garage.
Photo by Marie Brannon
To see images of Mr. Ballas and his original spinning tin-can, click here.
