3.25.2010

Snapshots of Dirt

I realize it's difficult to see what's going on here---to the left is the recently turned compost pile and to the right is a pile of leaves full of english ivy. It's a flower bed I thought I'd cleaned out last year but apparently didn't. When I went to turn the pile it was full of ivy roots and ivy, honeysuckle and autumn clematis had pretty much taken over the bed. I've pulled out what I can, roots and all, and carefully applied a weed killer to the cut ends of thickest vines that I couldn't pull out. The plan is to let the ivy/leaf pile dry out then put it in the compost pile.

Here's the fun part! I went to Lowe's yesterday to get some materials for my project for Modish tomorrow and didn't find what I was looking for. I did find some blue anemones and gorgeous orange poppies. Those, in combination with some herbs and vegetables will go in this little plot.

I'm still deciding if I want to put down cardboard and try and suffocate whatever roots are left, but I'm not sure. . .I'm kind of anxious to get everything in the ground. We'll just have to wait and see which whim wins out.

In the meantime, compost class is on again tonight, then again tomorrow and then again Saturday! Woo hoo! Maybe I'll have lots of pictures to share with you next week. I know you're excited about pictures of dirt, don't try and hide it ;)

5 comments:

Erin Lang Norris said...

we've got a little time till we can get things in the ground here in wisconsin (thankfully...i'm scurrying with indoor projects right now!). i can't wait to see the "after"! orange poppies sound great.

and ooooh i wish we had a lowes here. we had one where we used to live, but the closest one now is about 90 miles away. dang.

when skies are grey said...

Can you just pour boiling water over the roots? Your compost is lookin' good. Tell us what you learn in class :)

Wolfie and the Sneak said...

yes! Duh!! Thank you! how did I forget that little trick? It's an awesome one!

We Blog Artists said...

BRILLIANT...you are BRILLIANT...in gradening in design...in style...and good luck with the WW challenge. YOU can DO IT!!!
Modish just sent us over here...loving all your tips and very honest writing.
HUGS and a great weekend.
Char

Wolfie and the Sneak said...

Thanks so much *We Blog Artists*! I really appreciate it and thank you for stopping by!