Happy Autumn Equinox

A little late, but for many gardeners this is a day of recognition. Summer beds being put to sleep, winter/spring beds refreshed and waiting for seedlings. Deep South enjoying their "summer" gardens, finally! Leaves starting to turn and soon we will be bagging all of the neighbors' leaves.

sanderson wrote:A little late, but for many gardeners this is a day of recognition.  Summer beds being put to sleep, winter/spring beds refreshed and waiting for seedlings.  Deep South enjoying their "summer" gardens, finally!  Leaves starting to turn and soon we will be bagging all of the neighbors' leaves.

It's so funny you say that about bagging the neighbors leaves.  It's so true.  I have noticed that since I started my first compost pile, (a whole 5 weeks ago   ) that I now find myself noticing yard debris piles beside the road and gazing at the neighbors freshly mowed yards, thinking I need to sneak in there with a rake and a garbage bag!

sanderson wrote:A little late, but for many gardeners this is a day of recognition.  Summer beds being put to sleep, winter/spring beds refreshed and waiting for seedlings.  Deep South enjoying their "summer" gardens, finally!  Leaves starting to turn and soon we will be bagging all of the neighbors' leaves.

I got carried away today, raking leaves and mulching trees with them. I really overdid it and made myself sick, but these leaves are sooooo awesome. I want to mulch every plant on the property.

Hey Brian, when I lived in a neighborhood in California, I used to ask my neighbors if I could take their leaves and yard clippings. Most of them said yes readily. But, some of them said yes, where did I want them to put the stuff? I had neighbors bringing their leaves and grass clippings over to my compost piles! Each year I got more and more compost, when they brought me compost I would always make sure I gave them some of my garden prizes. It was funny when people found out someone had a use for things they were throwing away, they helped out. If you can/preserve anything from your garden, it makes a great Christmas or birthday present too!
It also brought us together. When they came over and saw my garden they often made comments about wanting to get a garden started but did't know enough or have enough time. I offered to teach them how and help them get a garden started and show them how little time was actually required. That lead to many new friendships and cookouts!
So, don't be bashful, ask them. Good luck!

bigdogrock wrote:Hey Brian, when I lived in a neighborhood in California, I used to ask my neighbors if I could take their leaves and yard clippings. Most of them said yes readily. But, some of them said yes, where did I want them to put the stuff? I had neighbors bringing their leaves and grass clippings over to my compost piles! Each year I got more and more compost, when they brought me compost I would always make sure I gave them some of my garden prizes. It was funny when people found out someone had a use for things they were throwing away, they helped out. If you can/preserve anything from your garden, it makes a great Christmas or birthday present too!
It also brought us together. When they came over and saw my garden they often made comments about wanting to get a garden started but did't know enough or have enough time. I offered to teach them how and help them get a garden started and show them how little time was actually required. That lead to many new friendships and cookouts!
So, don't be bashful, ask them. Good luck!

That's great!  From reading, it's easy to see that you have a solid background in composting.  I have some questions. I will post them in the compost heap thread.  Have a look when you get a chance please.