Well, my ambitious to-do list backfired. Generally I feel peaceful while gardening. I am connected to the system of life, part of something bigger. Things don’t work out, it’s a learning experience. Not today. I was mad at the cabbage worms, mad at the irregular fall crop germination (due to cats and groundhogs), and overwhelmed by how to deal with my compost system.
So, I did what a good friend and mentor calls, “take micromovements.”
Break a task down into small things to accomplish, one step at a time. My wise partner, K., also convinced me to save the compost system for another day. I focused on weeding and mulching, and tried to let go of perfection.
Speaking of mulch, I love it. I mulched today with beautiful, fluffy straw. In the past I have used salt hay but found it too dense for my use. (Though the cost was much less!) Straw remains rake-able and does a fantastic job of keeping weeds down and moisture in the soil. The downside of straw is that it provides a hiding place for pests. This is especially true of slugs. However, the benefits of straw outway the negative. A wise gardener friend of mine swears by straw because of its dual benefit: adding to the soil’s organic matter as it breaks down and providing a happy home for worms. (Who also love the hiding place and added moisture)
I hear great things about chopped leaves for mulching flower beds. I plan to try out leaves this fall. Do you have a favorite mulch system?.JPG)
Hi Emily - I certainly need to take micromovements more often! I sympathize with the feeling of being overwhelmed and frustrated at big tasks, which in my case is a result of letting too many little things build up.
ReplyDeleteMulch is one of my favorite garden accessories (or necessities) - I like any kind, especially right after it has been laid down, the clean look and smell.