Scrapbooking - Garden Layout (2)

Digital Garden Layout

March 12, 2011

Digital scrapbooking does not need special programs although they do help.  One of my first digital layouts depicting scenes from my garden was done using Microsoft Word and the photo uploading software for my digital camera at that time.  Once an image is imported into the Word document, it can easily be resized by clicking the cursor on the corner of the image then moving the cursor as desired.  Word even has special text effects for titles and journaling.  I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the end result was. 

Garden Gnome
©2006-2011

Camouflaging the Pit and Clean-out

Last weekend we worked on the lower patio replacing the pavers that had been removed for the drainage problems.  The problem we were left with was how to deal with the pit that has 3 lines running into it and the clean-out.  We have the option of connecting the 3 storm lines then filling in the pit however if any of the lines became plugged we would have to dig them up and repair.  Leaving an access to these drains is a logical solution.  However, I thought it would be nice to camouflage the pit and clean-out so that corner looks nice while still allowing access should a problem arise.

I came up with the idea of building a planter box with the remaining pavers.  The base is pavers turned on their narrow side.  The ledge is formed by laying pavers on their wide flat side.  Pictured is the idea in progress.  There weren't enough pavers to complete the project so my husband is going to take a paver to the lumber store to see if we can get a match.  I only need 5 or 6 pavers to finish the project to finish the other two sides.  The top layer ledge on the retaining wall side will rest on the cement base of the retaining wall.  The pavers as they sit now are not mortared into place yet but will be once the final design has been determined.  Once the walls are finished we will cut a piece of thick plywood to sit on the inside of the planter on the cement base surrounding the pit.  I'll paint it on both sides then add two handles for easy removal.  Then we will build a shallow, self-watering planter liner to fit inside that will sit on the plywood cover.  I will likely plant variegated pothos in the planter that will spill over nicely to soften the hard edges and can be brought indoors for the winter.  I will like add a second cover to sit on the ledge for the winter to prevent any debris and snow from gathering inside the planter. 

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Natura Kitchen Compost Caddy

Natura Kitchen Compost Caddy

Today is Earth Day 2009 so in spirit of doing something extra in celebration of living green, I am sharing one of my green tools. As a gardener I know how valuable compost can be not only for vegetable gardens but for flower beds, as a lawn conditioners and houseplant fertilizer. As someone who enjoys cooking from scratch I also realize that fruit/vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, tea bags and egg shells all represent money spent. You pay for them as part of the cost per kilogram when you buy produce and part of packaging when you buy tea bags and eggs. Throwing kitchen waste away is as good as throwing away money. Worse than that is these items end up in landfills something we can no longer afford.

In some areas of Ontario (Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, GTA) kitchen waste is put to the curb in special green bags or bins for collection. This is an ideal solution for those living in townhouses and apartments where they don't have the need for a lot of compost. We do not have that luxury here and in fact the recycling efforts in our area are what I consider a token bandage as very few things can be curb side recycled. Some municipalities allow you to take kitchen waste to the dump but the cost of the trip in terms of CO₂ produced by driving to the dump really defeats the effort. Backyard composting is the only eco-friendly way of dealing with kitchen and yard waste in our area. The municipality encourages this but only for those who ask by providing inexpensive ($25) compost bins.

One problem a lot of people have with collecting kitchen waste is getting enough to make the trip to the compost bin. In the cold, wintery months no one wants to make that trip for a cup or so of vegetable peels! The general solution is to use some type of small pail to collect waste until there is enough to empty into the compost bin. The problem with this has been two fold. Decaying fruit/vegetable peels attract flying insects and it smells.

Natura came up with this effective compost caddy that solves both problems. It has a tight fitting lid with a charcoal filter eliminating any odours that might be offensive as well as attract insects. The filters are good for 4 to 6 months. I was extremely surprised at how much this compost caddy holds! It's only 30 cm x 18 cm x 17 cm so it isn't huge. I think it is too big to sit on the counter but the caddy will easily fit in an under the counter cabinet for easy access. I discovered that the food does compact as you add more, something to be expected but as the food decays it packs down further so the caddy only needs emptying about ever week and a half depending on use. It is a sturdy, green plastic that should stand up to a lot of use. I don't know how much the filters are but if they are expensive then a similar filter can be found in pet stores meant for aquariums.

Happy Earth Day!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009