When our patio went in late last summer, so did our garden(ette). Workers carted in topsoil, weed block and mulch.
The answer to “How does your garden grow?” is “pretty good.” Plants have bloomed. Weeds have been blocked. Mulch has faded.
If you think mulch pales quickly in northern climes, just imagine here in SoCal where the Sun is higher in the sky and makes a whole lot more appearances.
Stef offered to help me re-mulch. I said, yes.
If you’ve ever spread mulch you know what looks like a lot in a bag is a little on the ground! We bought ten bags, then drove back for thirteen more.
This was actually Stef’s project 100%. She researched the problem and decided rubberized mulch was the answer for us. Seemingly made from shredded tires, it’s less likely to fade. Beyond that, it provides no nourishment for insects.
We went to Home Depot together, but I did none of the work. Stef loaded the bags in Helaine’s SUV, then unloaded them at the house. She carefully spread each piece of mulch for maximum effect.
What was faded gray is now a bold brown. It might not be organic, but it sure looks like mulch… and hopefully acts like it.
I didn’t lift a finger. My only physical effort was swiping our credit card. Thank you child.
Here’s a before shot for comparison.
Careful with that stuff, Geoff – I wouldn’t spread rubber mulch around anything you plan to eat (veggies or herbs). It’s been shown to leach nasty chemicals into the soil, and may or may not put noxious fumes into the air when hit by the UV rays from the sun.
Here’s a study done on it by Washington State University:
http://puyallup.wsu.edu/~linda%20chalker-scott/Horticultural%20Myths_files/Myths/Rubber%20mulch.pdf
Geoff:
Just be Cautious about ingesting anything you grow in the recycled rubber mulch. It looks like this is just your shrub bed, so it should not be a problem. I’ve read that several school districts across the USA (several in the NY/NJ/CT area) have banned the use of recycled tire rubber in playgrounds because there was some question about it leeching off toxic chemicals when the tires were constructed. It’s likely more a concern in wetter and warmer climates (Florida, etc), but I would just be cautious about eating food with rubber mulch covering.
Otherwise your garden looks great.
I used rubberized mulch in the flower beds that run along our foundatio. We live in a wooded area and need to discourage carpenter ants and termites….we love it!
We have some rubberized mulch (its original use was a “playground” area in the yard. It is now used by the shed. It does a great job of keeping the area weed free, and it is still a good color, 5 years later.
I think it’s great that your daughter took on this project and ‘dad’ need only pay the bill. That’s a good kid.