Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Mulch

WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
in Plants
Morning,

Due to Blackbirds causing non-stop digging damage to my beds, I topped them with 10mm pea gravel (not a particular deep layer but it’s done the job). I usually mulch the whole area of every bed with well rotted manure in autumn and/or early spring but as they’re now topped with the gravel, I don’t think that’s an option now. 

Would removing the gravel a good few inches around each plant and then laying some manure be an acceptable compromise or not?

Thanks.

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Some plants are not very happy if they are covered in manure at the base, I would leave some space so that it does not touch the plants. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • McRazzMcRazz Posts: 440
    Blackbirds are foraging in my garden, better put a stop to that - 'WildlifeLover 2022'  :#  :D  
  • CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 778
     :D 
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    edited September 2022
    Bit old that one, and still as pathetic as the first time. Unless you know the exact situation, better off not saying anything. Wouldn’t it be awful if I suffered from GAD (generalised anxiety disorder) and you come on here mocking me, making my anxiety even worse.

    Thanks for that.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I'd be patient with the blackbirds.  Due to the heat and drought they are having to search longer and deeper for food, often near plant roots which are easier to access than rock hard borders and lawn. This is the first year in my garden that they have been repeatedly scattering earth or bark on to my paths and patio due to their concerted efforts to find food.  I'm thinking that once the borders and lawn become more accessible when they get cooler and damper, the birds will become less destructive.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • McRazzMcRazz Posts: 440
    Wildlifelover said:
    Bit old that one, and still as pathetic as the first time. Unless you know the exact situation, better off not saying anything. Wouldn’t it be awful if I suffered from GAD (generalised anxiety disorder) and you come on here mocking me, making my anxiety even worse.

    Thanks for that.
    Sorry if I offended, it's hard for tone of voice to come across on forums but i can assure you it was lighthearted jest. 

    As another suggested they're having a hard time of it at the minute (the Blackbirds). Perhaps learning to live with them in a holistic way would bring you more peace? Gardening is never straightforward and often compromises need to be made with Mother Nature. All the best. 
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    edited September 2022
    Thanks @Plantminded but they have done this for two years now! As my garden is all relatively newly planted, I have to water plants until they get established. The first sign of moisture in the borders and they are there, digging a good 6 inches, often damaging roots, snapping stems etc. I have lost several plants due to their nature. Of course, I fully understand they are only looking for food (even though I put plenty of food out for them!) and despite what McRazz may think, I am a wildlife lover. 

    I don’t come on here to be mocked and it isn’t the first time so that’s it from me - I can’t be doing with it anymore. Won’t be coming on here anymore. 
  • McRazzMcRazz Posts: 440
    I sincerely hope that won't be the case.

    Please feel free to flag my comment if you feel so strongly about it. 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited September 2022
    @Wildlifelover I enjoy your posts and  I have learnt a little about some of the lovely plants you grow. Many of which won't thrive with me including your beautiful Phlomis. Keep smiling and hope to hear from you soon it is very clear to me how much you enjoy your garden and everything in it. Suze
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    Thank you Suze, that’s very nice of you to say. 
Sign In or Register to comment.