(Example of a post encouraging people to adopt more gentle landscaping practices. Feel free to use any of this that is helpful for talking to your clients, your yardwork service person, city officials, neighbors, etc.)
[Text on cute flower background with cartoon Facebook avatar: “Feeling blue about ‘hurricane debris’ in your yard or curbside? Try some fun & practical alternative tips!”]
Are you sick and tired of seeing piles of “yard trash” left over after hurricanes? Maybe it’s time to try a new approach!
In my field, permaculture design, we learn about how to turn problems into assets by making use of on-site resources.
Here are some ways you can turn your “yard waste” into treasure:
- Use big long logs as rustic border materials for pathways, garden beds, etc. Even if the logs aren’t straight. That actually even adds more charm and uniqueness.
- With short stubby segments of logs, stand them on their ends and use them as a border material as well.
- LEAVE THE LEAVES under the trees: Instead of scraping fallen leaves off of your property and sending this valuable material to the landfill, ask your yard-person to rake the leaves into a wide circle under each tree. Include the small twigs as well. Not only is it pretty; it will also make mowing easier & faster (if you mow), since the people mowing your yard can make a wide berth around the tree roots. Much healthier for the tree as well. And you will be helping birds, butterflies and other wonderful residents of your yard.
- Make a hugel mound (berm). Cover it with soil or sand, or leave it as is. It will break down and feed your trees and other plants. And it will add interesting contours to your yard. It also helps with stormwater absorption. Every bit helps!
- Slender branches, palm fronds, bamboo, etc. can be used as outdoor art supplies. Use your imagination and have fun making trellises, little tent structures, etc. Definitely get the kids and grandkids involved! I have so much fun making various kinds of ornamental and decorative structures in my yard, using free natural materials.
- Another thing I often suggest to clients is to get together with neighbors and rent a chipper shredder for the day or week. The free, high-quality mulch you produce is like money in the bank! And those “hurricane debris” piles will shrink to nothing in no time.
Questions? You are welcome to message me anytime.
jenny nazak, eco landscaping services
“Puff it up, Daytona!”
***As a public service, we offer a mini workshop in how to apply permaculture design principles to your yard. You, your neighbors, and your yardwork service people are all invited. Message me for info on upcoming dates.***
“You don’t have a snail problem; you have a duck deficiency.” — Bill Mollison, founder of the permaculture design movement.