Near us everyone waited until after Easter to start dealing with their gardens, except for tree trimming which can be done earlier. The rest has to wait until the weather warms up. I've cut the grass twice, used the Vetikutier and will soon fertilize and seed as needed. I tend to cut the grass in the late afternoon, then we BBQ and can enjoy the smell of a freshly mowed lawn.

In some neigbourhood there is always somone mowing the lawn, so you hear the noise of friggen motors from 7-20.00 six days per week. If one starts to mow, then onther one is ready when he is finished. verry annoying are the motorised scythes and people try to cut the grass to perfection. Every step done with a motorised machine.
1. lawnmower
2. petrol scarifier used 2 times
3. petrol trimmer
4. home built edge trimmer
5. leaf blower
6. swearing man winding up a not starting motor

As I'm writing, the neighbour is running the electric lawn mower right now at 15h30. No more poof needed.

if i rent the goat over night, would I be cutting someone else's grass?

Not much of a rebel. I mowed the grass and trimmed some shrubs while hubby power washed the front and back patios. Keeps the neighbors happy.

Of course we took a break at lunchtime.

It's strictly a don't ask don't tell policy.

hahahaha -- sorry i couldnt stop laughing when i read this! thank you for making my night!

But, even if "served" here in a humourous way it is not only a joke but reality. If you have a weekend-home or another sizeable place with a large garden in a rural place, the best solution, instead of purchasing some expensive lawn mowing equipment and starting big work, is to guard new trees and other plants by strong fences, and then allow the next shepherd to use your place. The shepherd will advise you very precisely about what to do, and if you work on his advice, you will not have any problem and the lawn-mowing is done free of charge. The shepherd, happy about a city-chap open to common sense, not only does charge nothing, but possibly will place two bottles of good wine from the St. Galler Rheintal for you

That will be down to richard Stallman and his GPL (Goats Protection League) - serious bunch of rabble rousers.

Hre's a gardening question... is it better to edge, mow trim and rake? or edge, trim, mow and rake? does it really make a difference?

Goat not an option....