A Gift of Mulch

Before beginning a project it is my usual MO to know the scope of the plan and 'see it' from beginning to end ... at least in my head if not on paper. That habit gives me assurance I can finish whatever I've taken on without too many unforeseen snags. That's the idea anyway. *Grin* to all fellow do-it-yourself-ers!

The sod removal and renovation of the street-side front lawn was finished a few weeks ago. I promised a post with the completed views but honestly, this summer has been a whirl-wind of family activity. The update and post is forthcoming but in the meantime the view above is a sneak peek of part of it. Regular readers will understand and appreciate the caladiums are a must-have insertion to the newly planted area.

When the front lawn renovation began back in July there was an element in that project I didn't have planned out. With the exception of a trial coconut fiber mulch used in the border of the veggie garden this past spring, it has been many, many years since mulch has been purchased for Hoe and Shovel. With an abundance of oak trees here and at #1 son's house (he bags his up for me) all my beds are amply supplied with the wonderful, naturally acidic leaves.

On day 3 of the front lawn renovation, with only two-thirds of the sod dug out, coincidentally several of my neighbors were having some oak trees trimmed. That afternoon the tree service asked us if we would like a truck-load of free mulch. They were overloaded and still had more trees to trim. Great timing for me!

Freshly cut and chipped oak trees. At least 8 cubic yards. The smell alone was divine. It was the answer to 'how in the world was I going to mulch the big bare area I was digging up?' Since I am opposed to using cedar mulch, being gifted with 'green' oak chips was a huge blessing!

Don't worry none of it was placed up next to the house where termites might find it.

There were plenty of other garden visitors that found it right away. Along with two snakes (that I saw- maybe more) a few spiders, roaches (yuck), lizards, and frogs thought they had found a new home in that huge pile on the driveway before I could get it all distributed.

The pungent aroma of freshly cut oak is earthy and intoxicating. The air was literally filled with it for the few weeks it took me to get it all dispersed.

Placing the mulch three inches thick as I completed each section of the front planting was very convenient. [Don't forget to pull the mulch away from the base of the plant to allow for good water retention in newly sited plants.]

Once the front was finished it still took me a couple of weeks, a few wheel barrows at a time, to transfer the remainder of it to the back garden. There were lots of places back there that could use a refresher. There was so much mulch, in fact, that I was able to share some with my sweet neighbor.

Mulch is so necessary here to help with water retention and weed control. It was a timely gift as well as a precious commodity. Every dollar saved meant more for the plants and stones that had to be purchased.

I hope you are enjoying your summer and your August. We have had a blast around here.