OK, right now I'm just counting down the hours till the holiday weekend! But earlier this morning I prepared for one of my yearly gardening rituals. I got up earlier than usual, got the camouflage tarp out of the shed, moved the SUV and parked in the street, all in anticipation of the mulch delivery!
Yes, that's how I'll be spending my 3-day weekend -- mulching all the planting beds. It's not as tedious as it may sound, I actually like mulching my gardens (and it's something the whole family can help with). It's the final step (for me anyway) in ensuring that this year's crop of flowers, shrubs and veggies will be well taken care of thru the summer months. All that's left really (besides spraying the micro-nutrients) is watering.
Mulching can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your soil and your plants. If you have not considered mulching your garden in the past, you may want to reconsider.
Mulches are a labor saving device for the gardener. A layer of mulch will help prevent the germination of many weed seeds, reducing the need for cultivation or the use of herbicides. Mulches also help moderate the soil temperature and retain moisture during dry weather, reducing the need for watering. Mulches protect the soil from the impact of raindrops that can cause crusting. Crusting can prevent the germination of seedlings.
Some gardeners mulch in early spring before perennials start coming up. I prefer to wait until I've already planted new perennials and annuals because I don't like digging thru the mulch to plant. It's hard to get all the dirt back under the mulch, leaving a sloppy look, rather than the sharp, neat look that newly mulched beds have.
Mulch comes in different colors ranging from orange-red to deep black. We prefer the black. I like the rich look it gives in contrast with the colorful flowers.
And, if there's any time left after mulching, I'm really late getting my "outdoor room" together. Commonly known as the back patio, our "outdoor room" provides a nice relaxing place by the pond for viewing the rewards of all our hard work. So I'll be cleaning the outdoor furniture, power-washing the siding, finishing my patio pots and hoping to still have enough time for my date with Indiana Jones!

In the meantime, enjoy the photo above of our first waterlilly flower this year. It opened up on Sunday and is still holding its bloom! Also, here's a little updated photo on those seeds I planted a couple weeks ago. Looks like I'll have to get them in the ground before mulching -- so much to do!! Have a Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Coming up next, I'll give some tips on enjoying a "Staycation" this summer.