For me, yard work is prominent now.  When I think of it, I think of Martha….

On the west coast, we’re not known for leaf trees; rather, our needle trees are famous. However, in populated areas, ornamental deciduous trees are common.  An oak that doesn’t naturally grow here stands in front of my house and another one on each side. There are maples as well…they might be native.

The point is that leaves from trees make excellent compost.  I have care of our grounds, which I do the natural way; I don’t use any fertilizer or weed killer.  All the help my lawn gets is compost, physical weed pulling, and the occasional dose of lime.

Leaves fall and cover the yard, but they soon blow away.  This year I’ve developed a new term:  leaf capture.  It describes the percent of leaves I’ve claimed from those landing on my yard.

Some years I’ve been busy; regrettably, my leaf capture was likely quite low.  This year, however, I’d estimate it at about 30%, which I think is pretty high.  After all, we live on a busy street, toward which the strongest winds blow.  Moreover, the leaf trees are right beside it.

I’ve emptied the compost of ready soil, then filled it with leaves.  I have more leaves waiting in a receptacle when room develops.  Next spring should be very exciting for the lawn.

Developing a sustainable lawn takes time, but is very rewarding.  A gardener learns to enjoy waiting and looking ahead, even to distant eventualities.

Here’s Martha.  I continue to be a fan.