Let's talk decorative mulches. Not only do they keep weed growth down, but they make things look neater. As for what kind to use, well, the sky's the limit. I like to use small pine cones from my pine wind break under tall-growing flowers and vines. It looks attractive, holds down the weeds, and is a nice surprise to visitors. I like using the unexpected. It keeps things interesting.
In the veggie garden I like to use old or wintered hay. I always make sure it is mulching hay, or I'll be growing instead of stunting unwanted plants. Salt water hay is wonderful - if you can get it. Here in the western Catskills, where I garden, it's close to impossible to find.
Other alternative mulches include grass clippings (but make sure you don't include seed heads), the ever popular cedar chips, peanut shells (Yes, you read it right. They give the soil nitrogen, because they are of the legume family) and human hair (Yup! I said human hair. It also gives the soil the nutrients it needs . If you have a good rapport with your hairdresser you could probably get all you need. If you think it's unattractive, use it under low growing bushes). Of course you could use black plastic, but I think it leaves your garden looking a little sci-fi . But hey, maybe you like that "ET" look. In that case, go for it!
Well, I could probably go on and on but I won't. Let's move on to something a little more crafty, shall we?
Lets move to plant markers. Here pretty much everything goes.You can use those expensive ones you see in all the catalogs. Personally I'd rather spend the money on other things, like food and gas and other fun things. For a really thrifty solution, use strips of margarine containers. Not really a fashion statement but they get the job done. There are always those left over ice-pop sticks, but make sure you wash them with soap or you'll start an ant farm. Trust me. I know that from experience.
If you want to make some attractive plant markers here's what you do. Get out those pesky wire hangers.You know, the ones way in the back of the closet. With wire cutters clip off the hanging end. Try to straighten the remaining wire. With a pair of pliers bend about five inches of one end down.Now bend up the end three inches of that bend up. Now you should be left with a long wire stick with a hook on one end.This is the base of the plant marker .
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