n 1955, The Lawn Institute was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation to assist in and encourage through research and education the improvement of lawns and sports turf. For 40 years, the Institute has been one of the most respected authorities in North America among turf professionals and scientists for monitoring, reporting, and interpreting the latest advances in turfgrass research, landscape horticulture, and agronomic science. Through the 1980's, the Institute focused its efforts and communication toward the emerging professional lawn and landscape market; educating the growing number of commercial operators. At the outset of the 1990's, informational efforts shifted more toward the homeowner by working closely with the consumer magazines and the growing number of professional garden writers. With greater exposure to the homeowner through the consumer press, The Lawn Institute has received thousands of requests from homeowners for information on the best lawnseed, proper maintenance practices, and specific questions related to their particular lawn and landscape situation. We determined there was a growing need to provide a "user friendly" information source to homeowners who are doing their best to develop and maintain an attractive, healthy, and environmentally beneficial lawn and landscape; thus, the primary reason for starting the Lawn & Landscape Digest.