the last layer we'd added to the lasagna bed, at the time of the last blog post, was seaweed .. since then a lovely, thick layer of compost was added from two of the three bin composters .. since the three bin composters are moving into a different position, it seemed like a good idea to empty them .. this very long bed emerging by the fence provided the perfect place for the compost to go .. besides compost seems like an appropriate addition to the lasagna bed .. jessie moved all the compost from the middle bin, and about 1/2 from the bin on the left and put it on top of the seaweed .. the compost wasn't fully 'mature' but in a bed like this one, that's irrelevant since the entire bed is in the process of breaking down ..
the compost was laid down on one saturday morning, and two weeks later shari and marilyn added this final layer of dirt .. it's looking really good .. we've already noted the rate that the bed is changing as all the layers melt together, and are looking forward to planting it in the spring .. one of the first things we'll plant will be "mike's glee," the rhododendron which the garden bought in remembrance of our dear friend and fellow gardener, mike matthews .. it's going right in this corner by the gate ..
i read recently that this type of bed building is also referred to as 'sheet composting' or 'sheet mulching' and has been around for many hundreds of years .. the 'no-dig' aspect is very appealing and, even though i am a gardener who loves to dig, i can see that this method of building a bed could have a place in any garden .. i think part of the beauty is that a lasagna bed can take any shape a gardener can imagine ..
the next phase, once spring arrives, will be to plant deer resistant plants .. down at the garden we're already comparing notes, and would appreciate any input you might have to offer .. i'll do my best to keep you updated regarding plants chosen and how it's all going .. of course, you can wander by any time and take a look for yourself ..
