West of downtown Claremont the land opens out toward the Connecticut, and Ascutney stands across the river in Vermont like a marker set at the end of every street. Gil's Lawn Care Service LLC cuts lawns out on that side of town and back through the older blocks — mowing, trimming, edging, mulching, and the spring and fall cleanups that open and close the growing year. Evening is the best hour for it, when the heat lets go, the mown grass smells strongest, and the mountain turns the color of a plum. A yard finished at that hour looks about as good as a yard can look. That is the part worth taking pride in.