A Guide to the Best of Southern California : AT HOME : Urban Meadow

City dwellers who miss the soothing sight of rural pastures might like the look of an Urban Meadow. This island of rye grass comes in an 8-inch-round terra-cotta pot filled with prepared soil and grows 2 inches tall in only three days. The patch of lawn does best in a window box or other sunny location and can be trimmed with scissors. “For people who don’t have any grass or lawns, it’s a great idea,” says Leon Goetz, visual director for Z Gallerie stores. “People say it looks great in their kitchens.”

Urban Meadow, which sells for $24.95, also appeals to indoor pets. Cats eat grass not only to help get rid of fur balls and indigestion, Santa Monica veterinarian Cassie Jones notes, but also because they “like it.” And one woman reports that her parakeet sings excitedly and burrows into the grass while she waters it.

Urban Meadow is available at Z Gallerie stores throughout Southern California.