This area adjacent to our driveway is a difficult area. We tried growing grass here last year and failed miserably. I decided to create a large bed combing 3 smaller beds and covering the area in between. Since I’m not ready to plant the area which would be a big investment in plants, I’m making use of what I do have – time and free materials.
I’m using the sheet composting method to cover this area and build the bed. Sheet composting, aka, lasagna gardening, is a no-dig way to build a bed. Most people start with a layer of wet newspaper or cardboard over the existing lawn, and then layer with different organic materials. Start with a layer of grass clippings or compost, and then add a layer of brown (wood chips, dry leaves, sawdust). Keep switching back and forth between nitrogen and carbon layers until the bed is about 18 or more inches in height. As the materials break down over time, the height of the bed is reduced.
With almost no grass in this area, I don’t need to worry about the bottom layer being cardboard or newspaper. I will use cardboard when I have it to prevent trees from growing in the bed.
To build my bed, I started with a layer of cardboard, then grass clippings, and then leaves pulled from the woods nearby. And then more grass clippings. I will keep adding layers and expanding the bed as I collect materials. At some point, I’ll add in a layer of compost from my bins, or a few bags of finished manure from the local garden center.
This summer, we’ll be removing the smaller trees to the right of the older tree. While it may not allow more light for the plants, it will help the overall look of the bed. I also plan to replace the birdhouse just barely visible on the older tree. It fell apart this spring. I’d like to encourage birds in the yard as much as possible.
Looking from the driveway, you can see the bare area that will be covered with organic material. Once the material has broken down, I’d like to make a path or 2 in the bed. This will be for visual interest and also practical purposes. I prefer to walk on my flower beds as little as possible to prevent compaction of the soil.
Tomorrow, I’ll be back with an update on this area.
2 dogs and a house 