Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Microgarden Math

There are some spaces in between that are fine left plain, but my poor-woman's quest for green this year has brought my attention formulas that can be applied in innovative, unpredictable ways.

For instance, the use of this equation this spring has become a theme:

J + P= :)

, where J= Junk and p= plants.

The opportunities for serendipitous encounters increase exponentially when you randomize your experiences. For instance, instead of driving to work, riding alleys, taking a new route every day exposes me to the amazing things that people throw away. I get inspired, bring them home, and plug them into the evolving green mass of my garden.

Fortunately, I live with another "crap" aficionado that appreciates well made old things and jives with my probability theories. Histalented sister provided the idea for this bike basket garden, and we put it to use this year.

Another useful equation:

M/(N + C)=( -W) + P

, where M=mulch
N=Newspaper
W= Weeds

Newspaper and cardboard layered under mulch created a path we can stroll through the garden on and is doing wonders as a weed barrier. We'll leave it in all winter and plow it in next spring to provide organic material for the soil.

Who says I'm not using my $25,000 college degree?

2 comments:

  1. Hey T - great ideas. I like the walk - does the wind blow it away? Does it get soggy in the rain? Does it matter? :)

    BTW, which did you bring home on your bike, the chair or the huge duck planter?

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  2. I put mulch on top of the walk, so it doesn't blow away, but does get soggy, which is fine. I used cardboard under the paths to make it a bit sturdier when walked on. Since it will all get plowed under eventually, it is ok that it gets wet now and then.

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