The gardener's eye

The Gardener's Eye

Monday, November 19, 2012

The Boys are Back in Town



The ten yards of the compost was ripe on Thursday and delivered on Friday. It was just in the nick of time because in a few weeks, maybe days, the temperatures will make it impossible to move the giant  pile of black gold that could instantly turn into a frozen chocolate-colored iceberg. Time was of the essence.The most difficult part about having a small garden on a steep slope is getting anything--mulch, compost, clippings-- from point A to point B.  This time, I was in luck because my son, Teddy, and his roommate, Micky, came home from their apartment outside Boston looking for some extra cash--ready, willing and able to help.


The ramp in the Hall with Balls to the Lower Garden


Micky wheelbarrowing compost to the Woodland Garden




Teddy's turn






Teddy mulching the entrance to the Woodland Garden


Micky adding compost to the boxwoods in the Hall with Balls


We used a hose to create a pleasing curve in the path in the Woodland Garden


Fresh compost mulch in the Woodland Garden


Another curve in the Woodland Garden edged with compost


All done-- in less than half the time it would have taken me to complete the job

14 comments:

  1. Lucky you. From Teddy's dress (short sleeves), I'd guess it was a warm day, but I could swear I see frost on the ground.

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  2. Both are true, Jim. It was in the high 20's in the morning but it was sunny. In fact, the paths were icy are first and the pile had a slight crust to it. I think Teddy was in a T-shirt from the start. They were moving non-stop and heated up quickly. Ah youth.....

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  3. *sigh*

    Ah, to have somebody to do the heavy garden chores! I some times consider buying in help, but at 34 I just don't think I have reached the age where this is acceptable, since our garden really isn't that big - and I keep claiming that I'm trying to create a low-maintenance garden...

    Now, excuse me while I go do some push-ups and sit-ups so I can get in shape for gardening.

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    Replies
    1. Soren, I never forced my two sons do any gardening when they were young although I certainly made them visit a lot of gardens. This was the first time I have had help moving a big pile of compost, mulch or loam. They were a huge help. At 52+, I feel a lot less guilty about getting help with projects like this which I always did by myself. My wife's tennis coach always says to exercise to get in shape for tennis, not playing tennis for exercise. I think the same may true for gardening!

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  4. I could just dive into that pile of compost!

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  5. One of the best gardening accessories is a someone with a young back, or two someones. My son is coming in real handy here.

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    Replies
    1. Two young backs are invaluable, Les! I remember when I had one of my own. Maybe our sons will become gardeners in the process.

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  6. Now that those guys are on a roll, send them over...It's just a hop, skip and jump to CT and they can work off Thanksgiving dinner...just an idea...

    Love the garden in autumn. It's so wonderfully sun-bleached.

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  7. I'll send them down ASAP, Tovah! I was really happy to have them around. Unfortunately, I am not sure they will be "lifers" if they don't need the extra cash. I'll have to get it when the getting is good.

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  8. Nice post.
    http://www.guiaverde.com/blog/destacadas/jardin-tropical-en-puerto-rico

    http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/7741396/5_gardening_blogs_you_should_read.html?cat=32

    http://www.flickr.com//photos/verdeazul1/show/

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  9. What a beautiful sight...huge pile of black compost and strong young movers!

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  10. I felt exactly the same way, Rodrica. BTW, I like your artwork that I saw on your blog. I will have to check it out in person at the River Gallery next time I am in Brattleboro.

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  11. Wow I love your little paradise, I love the nature. Kisses from Spain.

    http://redecoratelg.blogspot.com.es/

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