Jeff wrote:
> Grappling with Grass
> The process has become a routine. First the grass is cut and
> raked then piled around all the trees. This allows the trees to
> go all summer without water, smothers competitors, and feeds
> the tree. In late fall the grass is collected and stored over
> next years garden. This smothers the weeds and protects the
> soil. In the spring the grass is removed for planting and
> composts in piles. When summer arrives the compost is placed
> around all the plants to control weeds and feed the plant.
Probably stemming (pun not intended) from the fact that collecting grass is
not my favorite activity (because of grass allergies this time of year), my
process is less involved. I cut the grass in early summer by hand and use
it as mulch in areas that need it, including the garden if I got to it
before it goes to seed. Much of it is left standing in place; this sound
purposeful, but is really the result of not getting around to it. (It's
amazing how big 2 acres looks when you're standing in the middle of it with
a hand tool.) I see it as vertical mulch, which I seriously suspect may
have its uses since nature seems to like it that way, at least when the
same stuff will grow there. I like your idea of using it in different ways
at different times, but I'd need to give it some thought and find good uses
for it to feel it is worth the effort (We don't water trees and little
grows during the summer months because of drought.). Maybe I'll try it on
a small scale.
> They would probably laugh to see me standing in the
> middle of acres of grass with a garden rake, and i laugh at
> them and their lime trucks.
My neighbors continually offer me the use of their riding mowers with big
grins. I just tell them I need the exercise, and they look down and
quietly pat their bellies. I guess everyone makes their choices.
Eric Storm
