Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Compost for Earth Day

For twenty years we've had a compost pile in our backyard. Kitchen produce scraps and certain yard debris are tossed on the heap. Time and weather change those scraps into rich organic matter which breathe vitality into our gardens.Tom and Joe built this new compost bin last week to replace our tired original construction. Snow, hail, rain, and sunshine pelted the men's shoulders and heads but they creatively worked on, enjoying the task immensely.

Two compartments add efficiency to the process.

Removable slats spare a person's back when it comes time to turn the pile or remove some of its treasure.

We never have to buy soil or compost. Our garbage fees are low for we generate less garbage - recycling helps here as well. Our gardens are lush and prolific, completely organic, and beautiful. As we generate more compost than we need our friends and neighbors gladly shovel up the life-giving matter for their gardens. A win/win situation!

Tom brought the notion of composting into our lives early on. It's been one of his brightest ideas. A connection with the earth and its life cycles is understood and celebrated. Our place in the God-given responsibility as stewards is honored. We respectfully give to the earth and it returns our labors with blessings from the hands of the Creator.

Friendly Reminder: April 22nd is Earth Day.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great pics, this was a good days work.
Tom

deanna said...

We have low garbage bills, too. And a composter that looks like R2D2. Yours looks wonderful.

tshsmom said...

NICE work guys! I LOVE the design! Our compost pile is contained with wire fencing. Next year we're building one like this. 2 compartments, why didn't I think of that?

Cherie said...

Built to last and boy, will it be easier to use! Thank you, Tom!!

Deanna: I've seen those cute little R2D2 composters. They are great I'm told. Thanks for stopping by!

Tshs: They sure DID do a great job, you are right! And coming from you - Master Builder - quite a compliment. Our old compost situation was a post and wire one as well. The posts are tired and so is Tom for having to turn the pile every year. With this new one he can just scoop and shovel from one bin to the other to get down to the good, rich compost. I think he wishes he'd thought of it sooner. So do our sons who've had their backs strained turning the old pile. Lots of shoveling of heavy matter! ;)

Pam said...

I love your new site, Cherie! It is beautiful to look at, inspiring to read, and makes me yearn for spring!
:-)

Gardenia said...

Absolutely beautiful post and blog - I wish Tom and Joe would stop by here - this is what I need!!!!

Cherie said...

Pam, your comments about this new site mean a lot. Thanks! And yearning will make it happen, you'll see.

Gardenia: You know, I think Tom and Joe would love to take a trip out your way to build you your very own compost bin. Finding vacation time, that's the stickler. Maybe they should take the job on the road, promoting composting all over the country - beats the nine to five!

tshsmom said...

That's what I love about the 2 compartment idea...so easy to turn...and have access to the finished compost...BRILLIANT!

I may be emailing Tom next year when we build one. I think I can pretty much duplicate yours from the pictures. Is that rough cedar that he used for the slats?

Mike S said...

Very nice, but still looks like a 'crappy' job keeping it going:)

Cherie said...

Tshs: The slats are pressured treated somethings. I'll ask Tom and get back to you. He's sure fond of his new bin.

Mike: Har har har!

Anonymous said...

This post inspires me to look into a composter for my kitchen scraps. That last paragraph is terrific. Thanks Cherie, you've done a good thing here.

Cherie said...

Annie: Good for you! You'll love the results.

Tshs: Tom says the slats are indeed pressure treated. He thinks they're hemlock, but you could use any pressured treated lumber to keep rot at bay.