Something has to give

[lighter]

I have to come up with a new yard plan.  I purchased a truck load of rocks last year, put down cardboard over large front yard expanse, and made a leaf area I could blow leaves into...I'm sure I posted about it..... two birds with one stone, I created a place to put leaves so I don't have to blow them to the woods anymore, plus cut down on area with moss to weed and remove debris from.  Seemed like a win win, and it was, in theory.

Now, I'm unable to keep the entire yard weeded... I finish an area, and move to the next, which I've weeded completely several times already.  It's demoralizing, and not working.

I look at my yard, and envision boulders, more natural or leaf areas, rock walls, and smaller lovely moss garden areas I can keep up with.  I struggle with all the lovely moss that will have to be removed.  Pull it up really isn't a problem, bc I'll make sure it goes somewhere lovely, but this is a large project I don't have time for just at the moment. 

I'm also not talented enough in the yard design area to come up with a stellar plan out of the box, and follow it as I can.  There's a lovely moss company in my State with a good design department... they'd have to travel several or more hours to get here though.  I'll see if they can come, firstly, and if I can get a plan for an amount that isn't insane. 

I'm dreading the dentist for a cleaning today.  I really don't like the dentist anymore.

Lighter

[Ales2]

Three suggestions:

Take a large plastic garbage can with a handle, turn it on its side and blow the leaves into the can. Keep moving it around for the areas you need to reach then haul it to trash.   

Taking a square of bricks say 3 x3  feet  about 6 inches high. Then put a 3 x 3 plywood top with a handle nailed in.  Dig a hole say 6 inches down put the leaves from the can into the pit, with the top, so they don't blow everywhere. Put rocks on to if necessary to weigh it down.  Leaves will turn to mulch pretty quick without air.

For the weeds, try making natural weed killer with 1/3 part white vinegar, 2/3 parts water and a tablespoon of epsom salt. Put in a spray bottle and use on weeds or in between tiles. Careful, it will kill plants and snails, but is economical, non-toxic for people/pets and only damaging to weeds, plants and some pesty-critters.

Wish i had a suggestion for the dentist...

All the best to you..

[lighter]

Dentist appt went OK, Ales.  I drive myself nuts as much as the cleaning and dentist.  Honestly, the gal cleaning my teeth does a terrific job moving around, working on ouchy spots sporadically, not driving me into the chair in silent screams.  All is well, and I've decided to come up with some kind of nocturnal baking soda ritual that's easy, and completed in bed.... flossing done in bed no matter how tired I am. 

I like the hole for leaves thing.  Thanks,
Lighter

[lighter]

Waiting for this rain to stop is bothering me, bc I watch the weeds grow, and feel a bit desperate about it. '

I know that these weeds will be handled, but it's still bugging me.  I resist going into the yard and handpulling for hours, bc I can't do that forever.  I planted a tomato plant, 2 kinds of basil, some rosemary in the front porch pots... one has a cutting from the neighbor's lime green hydrangea SO PRETTY!  There's moss in those planters, and creeping jenny as well.  They make my heart very glad, and I'm currently trying to figure out if I spread this 11.00 for 50lbs animal feed corn gluten will help with the weed struggle.  They're pellets, and will melt in the rain.  Not sure about the gluten content, but I'm guessing it's high enough considering it's supposed to BE gluten.  Will pick a patch in a day or two and cast some about, then see. 

I'll have so many patches of trying different things, will have to mark them to keep up.

I have kiddos friend's coming for a spend the night this afternoon, and look forward to happy chattering in the house. 

Lighter

[Hopalong]

Does animal feed gluten kill weeds, Lighter?

I ask because my "new" gravel driveway is a weed fest, because my dear yard guy didn't include a weed barrier when he built it.

It's very frustrating.

thanks,
Hops

[lighter]

Corn gluten keeps seeds from germinating.... no weed killing powers, I'm afraid.

For your gravel drive, you can use vinegar, salt, and dish soap mix, or weed killer, or a flame thrower.  You seem like the poison free type, but you have options.

You don't have to protect tender moss underneath, just kill kill kill.  Keep in mind the weed killer stuff, if applied on a hot sunny day that remains dry a couple days, goes to the root and kills the weed for good.  I think the vinegar doesn't kill the entire root, and you have regrowth.

Lighter

[Hopalong]

Thanks, Light...

I think horticultural vinegar is strong enough.

But it eats the sprayer....

xo

[lighter]

I tried to buy horticultural vinegar here, and sales people look at me like I have two heads. 

Is it easy to purchase where you are?

Lighter

[Hopalong]

I've gotten it from Amazon...it's 20%, unlike the 2-6% of kitchen vinegar. Must be diluted for safe use.

It's super strong acid. Great on the weeds but my yard guy hasn't applied it well.

And...it eats sprayers. But if you spray each weed for total coverage on a sunny morning, it does the job.

Pondering, as the driveway turns green....

!!!
Hops

[lighter]

Hops:

I hope you figured out the weed problem before they grew tall.   What did you end up doing?

Lighter

[Hopalong]

Ummmm....trying to admire the kitsch of a country driveway in the city?

Blush.

I'll sic Esteban on it..........again.

 

[lighter]

Well, the yard's a mess.  Pretty much.  I'm choosing to not deal with it now.  Before I leave for the island I'll throw myself at it for a couple days.  The thought of using weed killer has me in knots.  I'm not entirely sure why, but it's a thing AND there's been too much rain to utilize it.

We cleaned the kitchen fridge last night.  Detailed it, really.  Broke off something that  made it easier to access.... and not on purpose, mind you.  Dumb luck.  The kitchen's in good shape.  I've pared down many items, packing duplicates for the trip.  Sending many boxes to Goodwill. 

Youngest DD and I have the sewing machine out, organizing sewing supplies into the lovely large sewing box with tall handle.  Everything's been strewn about in different smaller sewing boxes up to this point AND this is what procrastination looks like in my house.

::nodding::. 

I have so much to do in the yard, and for the beach.  Researching, and planning bunk bed design, which requires finding the room measurements.  Purchasing tools, and packing them.  Figuring out what I can live with, and without should there not be enough room on the second flight for the extra weight I'm packing.

I wish I was familiar with sharpening chainsaw blades.  I wish I was comfortable using one in a tree.  I wish I had a bigger one, and that's what I spend a lot of time doing lately.  One thought to another.... like that. 

I'm ready to make another pile for Goodwill.

Lighter