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Post by Geranium on Oct 17, 2011 17:49:07 GMT
We have three tall poplars that shed leaves all over the side border and main lawn, plus the three in the main garden. We have a lot of trees - beautiful, admittedly, but a real pain at this time of year. Peony's right - plants would be smothered. It isn't just about hiding places for slimy critters.
By the way, the bit about leaving 4" of Phlox stem was in this week's AG magazine. They also mentioned Aruncus I think it was.
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Post by wildlifefriendly on Oct 17, 2011 19:25:52 GMT
I only collect my leaves from the grass but then I actively encourage little slugs and bugs for the birds. I seem to have a good balance now, there are enough birds to stop the bugs being a problem.
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Post by Geranium on Oct 17, 2011 19:47:14 GMT
OH said he'd make me a chicken wire enclosure for leaves when he gets home - he's away this week. I've collected 8 bags of leaves so far, but I'm running out of space to keep them.
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Post by grindle on Oct 18, 2011 4:34:10 GMT
I don't get many leaves apart from the huge bay tree, so I have to ship mine in ;D ;D
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Post by wildlifefriendly on Oct 18, 2011 7:11:18 GMT
OH said he'd make me a chicken wire enclosure for leaves when he gets home - he's away this week. I've collected 8 bags of leaves so far, but I'm running out of space to keep them. I made one of those last year, the leaves still look very leaf like, they haven't all rotted down like I was expecting them to. The Blackbirds have also been emptying it from the bottom. I may need to re-think it for this year. |
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Post by grindle on Oct 18, 2011 7:14:09 GMT
I've found if you water the leaves through the summer, they rot down much quicker  |
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Post by wildlifefriendly on Oct 18, 2011 10:00:07 GMT
I'll do that at the same time I water my pots ;D
A couple of years ago I kept a load in compost sacks, they rotted down well, I think I shall do the same this year. The netting cage won't go to waste though, I shall put all the compost sacks in there, it will save me having to collect all the bags that have floated off around the garden when we flood ;D
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Post by Geranium on Oct 18, 2011 10:31:29 GMT
That conjures up quite a picture, Wf! I can just imagine someone fishing a black sack out thinking it might have valuables in it - but finding leaves. ;D Thanks, Grindle, I'll remember that tip if/when OH gets round to making the leaf enclosure. |
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Post by grindle on Oct 18, 2011 15:42:02 GMT
I'll do that at the same time I water my pots ;DA couple of years ago I kept a load in compost sacks, they rotted down well, I think I shall do the same this year. The netting cage won't go to waste though, I shall put all the compost sacks in there, it will save me having to collect all the bags that have floated off around the garden when we flood ;D ;D better stick with the plastic bags then You're welcome G |
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