(2 hrs) Fri 1 March 2024 - Many uses of mulch

To Beechbrae, on another bitterly cold day (I'm beginning to forget it was ever warm there). Today we considered the many uses of mulch, disturbing the creatures burrowed deep into its warmth so that we could barrow heaps of fresh wood chippings to the main gate, where dog walkers were wearing a muddy track in the grass around the gateposts instead of using the gates, because of the quagmire beyond. The application of several layers of thick cardboard and a deep layer of dry mulch soon sorted that out, providing a bridge across the ankle deep glaur back to the safe footing of the actual path. We also repaired a brushwood barrier where walkers were trying to create a shortcut near the Centre, instead of going round by the gate. After a brief tea-break we also spread a deep layer of well-rotted mulch on one of the outdoor vegetable beds, in anticipation of spring crops to come. And finally, since we were so efficient working as a team, we retreated to the comparative warmth of the polytunnel and transplanted some baby elder trees to bigger pots, to bring them on before they go outdoors in the spring.