Mulch Project - Phase 1 complete

13 years ago

We got started about 8:30 this morning on this project. Our goal for today was to extend the front flower bed into a roughly semicircular shape adding about 300 square feet of planting space. Using cardboard, mushroom compost and free mulch, this is how it went. Please forgive the brown plants as the freeze killed them. They should all come back in the Spring.

The free mulch pile (this project barely made a dent in it)

Two yards of mushroom compost - $38.

Before

A rope to guide our way. I also threw some of the dead plant matter down to be covered.

Damn, ran out of cardboard! Quick run to Lowes cured that.

Compost application complete. Where you see cardboard still is roughly where the paths will go. The dog insists on snacking on the compost. Ew.

Mulch and project complete about 1:30!

This gardener is truly indebted to her husband, who does almost all of the heavy lifting. That said, I did my share and plan to indulge in several adult beverages later to help with some aching muscles.

Melissa

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Comments (8)

juneroses Z9a Cntrl Fl
13 years ago
It looks so nice with just the mulch! Be sure to keep us updated (with pictures, please!) as the plants you add begin to take hold. I like that this is a generous space and that the line of the new bed meets the line that separates pavers and gravel.

June
AmberSky
13 years ago
That's going to be outstanding.
Where did you get the mushroom compost?
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annafl
13 years ago
Oh, Melissa, it looks great!!! I can't wait to see what you plant in there. It will really give you something to look forward to/ plan for. I know you will let us see it when it is planted. I love knowing I have a new bed to plant. Not only that, it will be a weedless, soft bed with plenty of earthworms. Congrats on the expansion!

Anna
gardencpa
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks guys! I have enjoyed my adult beverage and am about to go sit on the couch with a book or a movie.

Right now the only two things I have planned for sure to plant are a vitex and rose of sharon that gatormomx2 gave me. This is mostly a butterfly garden with full sun western exposure. It currently has some roses, blue porterweed, firebush, plumbago, ruellia, crepe myrtles, yarrow, night blooming jasmine, pentas and some other stuff I am sure I have forgotten. I like to have lots of color out there even if it freezes back in the winter. It is great to sit on the porch and watch the birds and butterflies. Even last weekend, when there were really no flowers left, I sat out there and saw, finches, cardinals and even a tufted titmouse.

Amber, the mushroom compost came from West Volusia Shed in south Deland.

Melissa
fawnridge (Ricky)
13 years ago
Dig a 6" deep trench, about 3" wide, where the grass meets the mulch. Fill the trench with mulch. It will slow the incursion of grass into the bed.
gardencpa
Original Author
13 years ago
Good idea. I have done that with some of the other beds around the back of the house and it does help. I'll add that to Phase 2.
loufloralcityz9
13 years ago
gardenpa,

I noticed your DH had the easy job of spreading all that mulch around while you had the difficult job of pressing the snap button on the camera. Yes you deserve a good long rest ;-)

Seriously, It does look great!
Lou
gardencpa
Original Author
13 years ago
Lou - A wise division of labor is the secret to a happy marriage. :o)