What's a Green Thumb?

Our logo is derived from the popular phrase, "having a green thumb."  But what does that mean?

The short answer: It means we have a way with plants.

The long answer: Like most idioms, no one knows exactly where the saying came from.  In the United Kingdom, the expression is "green fingers."

One story credits a British reporter with coining the "green fingers" phrase in 1925.  Another claims that gardener's thumbs turned green from the algae that grew on the pots they handled.  And one source even links the term to King Edward I of England who supposedly kept numerous serfs busy shelling green peas for his consumption - and offered a prize to the one with the greenest thumb.

However, most sources think the phrase rose to popularity in the early 1900s and refers to the fact that those who care for plants often get chlorophyll and plant materials on their skin and under their nails, lending them a green appearance.

Whatever its origin, "green thumb" has become synonymous with skill in keeping plants alive and thriving.  The founders of Lawn Doctor were recognized for those skills by their earliest customers and as a result, adopted the now-famous symbol of lawn and plant expertise in 1973.

Contact Your Local Lawn Doctor today at 1.877.LAWNDR1 or schedule a FREE Lawn Evaluation to learn more about our lawn and yard care services.