Well sort of. I just re-read the instructions and I'm sure I didn't do it right. I only had branches, for one thing, not logs, and I skipped the leaves and such and just put the topsoil back. OOPS. Oh well. I'll get back to you guys later on whether or not this works well, and start building another behind the first after the big spring storms produce more tree litter.
Conversation with my neighbor while building this thing. I'm digging in the yard, she walks past me carrying things to her parents' van which she has finally sold.
Neighbor: I hate digging.
Me: So do I but I can't stop doing it.
Where I started |
later that year |
I spent $60 on plants and a little on new top soil and it began. I have since dug three new beds in the front yard, not counting the veggie garden I just put in and four failed beds in the backyard. My dogs destroyed them. I am optimistic that one day Dorcas will die and I will be able to plant squash in the back yard again, but until then, I'm not going to try it.
Sage blossoms |
So why do I do it? Why dig if you hate digging? Why plant if if you hate digging?
Because my yard smells awesome when it rains. Because tomatoes that aren't waxed taste better. Because homegrown smudge chases bad feelings away better. Because sage blossoms.
I can't say no to plants. Yes, my ankle hurts when I dig. Yes, I get a back muscle cramp of champions.
I get blisters. I get lazy and I neglect them later in the year. I do all those things, and sometimes I don't even mow the grass but I mess with the gardens.
I have a new plan of attack this spring. I've panted onions, marigolds (bug repellant), potatoes, radishes (bug repellant) and peas out there. Later I will change it all for summer plants, and probably dig a new bed. I will be keeping tabs on how my poorly designed badly executed hugelkultur bed gets on.
Keep digging, girl! It is worth it.
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