Thursday, March 24, 2016

Why I Squirrel Away Leaves

I have a confession: I am way too emotionally attached to my leaves. Every year the story goes like this: First, these 100+ year old beauties dump mounds and mounds of leaves in the fall and winter. 

 

Then every fall and again in the spring we rake them up (leaving some for the critters). While my husband bags away, I desperately try to find places to compost them in my yard.
 
I could fit some more on that pile.
 
But there are just too many! Even if I shred the leaves I still have way more leaves than I can handle. So sadly we bag up the remainder of the beautiful brown leaves and with a heavy heart I wave goodbye as they ride off into the sunrise in the city’s yard waste truck.


https://marysveggiegarden.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/11182013-leaves-leaves-and-more-leaves-and-some-food/
I didn't have quite this many. Thanks Mary's Veggie Garden for the photo.
Oh, I know they will see a new life in a commercial-sized compost pile. But, alas, the lost potential in my own yard fills me with regret.

THE LEAVES I DO KEEP ARE ESSENTIAL!

I pile up leaves next to my compost bin and pile more in another corner of my yard. Those leaves will be perfect for balancing out and burying the food scraps I add throughout the year.

Reminder! Now that spring has arrived you should aerate or turn your compost bin. Add some extra leaves if your pile is too wet from all the winter food scraps.

Happy spring and happy composting!

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Spring Awakening

Doing the happy dance on this warm winter day! Getting outside and cleaning up the yard feels like fun rather than a chore.





The cold earth is showing signs of spring awakenings: bulbs are pushing through; snowdrops are in bloom; as well as those pesky wild onions. Another sure sign of spring includes our annual compost seminars.



Get your neighbors on the bandwagon. Preach the magic of this organic matter then send them this link to sign up for one of our workshops. There are four dates and locations to choose from, they only last one hour, and the first one is March 31. Whether new to composting or just need a basics reminder, this workshop is for you (or them). Are you a member of Nextdoor? Share our event in your community as well.


Those of you who are ready to become “masters”, our friends at the Civic Garden Center have an opportunity especially for you. Click here for more information on their Master Composter Series.
Note to deer: feel free to eat wild onions
guest blogger: Jenny