You all know I'm a little bit wacko about scavenging for organic materials for my garden. This is the second year that, upon purchasing our Christmas tree, I've mentioned that I'd love to have the chipped up trees they will throw out. All the branches they cut off the bottom, all the trees that are unsalable because of defects, all the leftover trees at the end, will all be cut up and chipped up. Last year they brought me two pickup truck loads, and this Monday they will bring the first load of the year. It is not the most beautiful stuff. I tend to use it in least visible areas, but it smells absolutely wonderful this time of year, and in a month's time is well along to decomposing and looking rather attractive, needless to say, building up our soil.

I feel a bit guilty about buying a live tree each year. I'm not willing to give up that tradition yet. However, I'd like to think I make up for it by recycling many trees that would end up in the landfill. The church is only too happy to dump it in our yard instead of having to pay to dispose of it. A win-win situation for all.

Just an idea you might want to consider. Try it, you may like it. All of you with posts about trying lasagna gardening, this would make a great layer for this. My lasagna is ongoing now and I just continue adding indefinitely as I get materials. I'ts fun to get creative about recycling and gardening!

Anna