Northwest of the city the ground turns sandy — the Rome Sand Plains, pitch pine and scrub oak standing on old dune sand, country that drains fast and dries faster. Lawns out that way ask different things than the heavy valley ground: thirstier Augusts, a blade set a notch higher so the grass can shade its own roots. All Seasons Maintenance mows with that in mind and keeps the borders honest where turf gives way to sand and pine needle. In September the light comes in low and gold between the pines, and a freshly cut yard practically holds the color. It is ordinary work, and it is a pleasure to stand back and look at when it is done.