(no subject)
Hunh. Past me opened up a "post an entry" window, and I can't for the life of me remember why. Probably to link to some internet meme or other. Oh well, I might as well update anyway.
Let's see. Solstice party this weekend, so I'm trying to dry out enough wood for a decent bonfire. Rented a rototiller during the brief stretch of not-rain we had last weekend, but was disappointed as it didn't chew up sod as I'd hoped. The best way I've found of preparing new garden beds on this property is to lay down cardboard and cover it with composted manure. Any other way either depletes the soil (like removing the sod) or allows the weeds free rein.
I've gotten lazier about scything, but still refusing to burn hydrocarbons to conform to the 1950's expectation of wide expanses of uniform green lawn. I have meadows, gardens and forested swamp, with connecting paths carved through the grass. As a result, the biodiversity immediately around our house has literally blossomed; more variety of plants, insects, birds and other life forms. The orange cat is quite a hunter, and has not only caught smelt (a tiny species of fish) out of the stream but was seen yesterday with a snake in his mouth.
The 2010 tutoring season is winding down after tonight's 3 hour marathon; last high school exam is tomorrow. Which means a long trek across the financial wasteland that is a substitute teacher's summer. Hopefully the garden provides a trickle of income. But first I need manure. More poo, I say!
Let's see. Solstice party this weekend, so I'm trying to dry out enough wood for a decent bonfire. Rented a rototiller during the brief stretch of not-rain we had last weekend, but was disappointed as it didn't chew up sod as I'd hoped. The best way I've found of preparing new garden beds on this property is to lay down cardboard and cover it with composted manure. Any other way either depletes the soil (like removing the sod) or allows the weeds free rein.
I've gotten lazier about scything, but still refusing to burn hydrocarbons to conform to the 1950's expectation of wide expanses of uniform green lawn. I have meadows, gardens and forested swamp, with connecting paths carved through the grass. As a result, the biodiversity immediately around our house has literally blossomed; more variety of plants, insects, birds and other life forms. The orange cat is quite a hunter, and has not only caught smelt (a tiny species of fish) out of the stream but was seen yesterday with a snake in his mouth.
The 2010 tutoring season is winding down after tonight's 3 hour marathon; last high school exam is tomorrow. Which means a long trek across the financial wasteland that is a substitute teacher's summer. Hopefully the garden provides a trickle of income. But first I need manure. More poo, I say!