Controlling Bindweed – Alternative method – I think it was a success

Try Controlling Bindweeds.

Controlling Weeds can always be a challenge and when you want to something Natural and earth friendly to combat weeds….. you have to be creative!

If you need a refresher on what Bindweed is – take a look at this Bindweed “Convolvulus arvensis”

We have a section in our yard that that we have many field stone rocks that act as a retaining wall for our higher elevation and driveway.

We have the Bindweed problem there! It is a haven for snakes, rodents, bugs, and who knows what!

Regardless it is our ecosystem that we protect on property. In my research for a Natural solution to this Bindweed problem, I found a interesting post on just collecting them versus removing them?

The old saying – can’t beat them – join them. I did just that.

Using Bamboo Garden Sticks, I randomly placed them in the Bindweed areas and started to direct all crawling vines to the nearby Bamboo sticks and coiled them around these sticks as they got longer.

I didn’t pull them – I just guided them to where I wanted them to grow to.

Final Product with controlling Bindweed the alternative method:

They create these green columns in our rocks and produce “Morning Glory” type flowers – sort of nice actually.

Controlling Bindweed - natural approach — Controlling Bindweed – natural approach

Create a Wick Watering system for your Plants

Bread Clips Explained – Friend or Enemy?

Earth is 4.5 Billion years old and knows how to take care if itself!

Earth Age in years is around 4.5 Billion years old

Earth, a staggering 4.54 billion years old, dwarfs our sense of age. When you contemplate your own age, remember that you share this planet with an entity that has endured through eons.

Let’s put this into perspective by visualizing it on a clock. Imagine a 12-hour clock, ticking every second. Earth’s age divided by those seconds equals approximately 105,162 years per second. In this context, Earth’s 4.54 billion years equate to just a single second on this clock.

Now, consider the human story. “Hominins” first appeared nearly 6 million years ago, evolving into “Homo Sapiens,” who continue to call this planet home. When you break it down, it’s a mere 57.05 seconds since humans began their journey on Earth. Modern humans, in their current form, have only existed for the last 200,000 years. In the grand scheme of Earth’s timeline, our existence amounts to less than two seconds on that same 12-hour clock – not even a full minute!

As inhabitants of this planet, we must acknowledge and express our gratitude to Mother Earth. She’s survived five ice ages, enduring cataclysmic asteroid strikes that left indelible marks on our landscape. Earth has been here for 4.5 billion years, weathering countless changes.

Let’s revisit the math with 4.5 Billion years life span of Earth

– we, as humans, have occupied this planet for a mere few seconds in Earth’s lifespan. Yet, we are on a perilous course of potentially undoing what took over 200,000 years to create, or even the 4.5 billion years of natural evolution. Climate change is reshaping our world, affecting our crops, weather, and ecosystems. If we continue down this path, it threatens to divide humanity and push us into wars over dwindling resources.

So, what’s next? Are we destined for Mother Earth’s cold shoulder? Absolutely not! With over 8 billion intelligent minds on this planet, we possess the power to solve these daunting challenges. History has proven our capability to achieve remarkable feats, from reaching the moon to connecting people across the globe. We’ve built bridges spanning vast waters, and we now explore the far reaches of space.

Just look at some of these images! JWST images

However, we must not be arrogant enough to believe that Earth needs us to survive. History teaches us otherwise. We have the opportunity to coexist harmoniously with our planet, but the choice is ours to make.

Our Great Lakes Explained

Intro to Great Lakes

We are fortunate to be part of the 20% of Canadian shoreline land owners and not only do we have an incredible backyard and view; we now have clear understanding of Plastic Pollution in our Great Lakes. With this unfortunate discover, we are now actively taking steps to reduce the use of Plastic for as many people as we possibly can.

This brief post will provide a clearer understanding of our Great Lakes and how they play a critical role in lives of so many citizens living in Canada and US.

Where did these come from?
Our Great Lakes began to form almost 10,000 years ago as the Laurentide ice sheet receded to reveal the large depression it had made over the years and filled them clear, pure glacier water we now call our Great Lakes.

These 5 majestic bodies are providing living areas for 31% of Canadians and 10% of Americans who also enjoy the view! Our Great Lakes provide clean drinking water for over 40 million in surrounding area and considered an economic engine for the Midwest region – appropriately 40% of Canadian GDP is created around these Great Lakes. This would also account for 15% of the US GDP creating thriving communities and jobs for millions of Canadian and US employees!

These massive impression left are easily seen from space as they spawn over 244,000 km2 equal to the size of several countries including Guinea, Romania, Loas, UK and almost New Zealand. Understandable this represents the largest freshwater surface in the world including over 17,000 km of pristine shoreline which is more than from Earth to the Stratosphere which is 10-30km away! Agriculture is also thriving in this region as these large bodies of water have a positive impact with growing crops, grapes, grains and more.

Let’s break them down.

As the name would imply our largest Great Lake would be Superior with 82,100 km2 surface area. The next larger lake tied for second as Lake Huron has 59,565 km2 surface area compared to Lake Michigan with 57,753 km2. However, when you compare Cubic volumes Lake Michigan 4,918 km and Lake Huron is only 3,538 km. Lake Erie would be the next largest lake with surface are of 25,655 km2 leaving Lake Ontario 19,009 km2 as the smallest.

Every day freshwater flows through each of them to use the St Laurence River to the Atlantic Ocean to become part this massive salt water journey.

Stay tuned for new post titled “Great Lakes Intro”

As you can plainly these Great Lakes means so more than just remnants of some frozen. There are millions of people the Mid-west region depending on and drink this precious watering hole that asks for nothing but to be protected and treated with respect. As for part this life giving gift, we can ensure this this value resource is always shared and protected from pollution, corruption, administration and corporations.

Here area few great resources

Home Page – Great Lakes Commission (glc.org)

The Great Lakes | US EPA

Home: NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory – Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Are egg cartons good for planting?

This seems like a common question and we see all kinds of videos of people using egg cartons to start seeds and/or seedlings.

I decided to actually try using these egg cartons to see if these can truly function as a critical starting location for a delicate flower seed.

With this Reuse mindset in place I decided to also test using several other packaging to see what others could be effectively used for planting.

I wanted to try this containers:

Kleenex boxes
Ice Cream Containers
Milk Cartons
Egg Cartons

Kleenex boxes, I decided to place the opening on the down side and cut out a rectangle in the bottom and allow the cut out part to act as covering for the Kleenex box opening (now on the bottom). This should prevent dirt from falling out and still allow roots to pernitrate the bottom and dig deep into the ground. I am most concerned with this solution as water does a number on the structure and firmness of these flimsy boxes.

Ice Cream Containers – Just clean out and filled with soil. To allow for Seems like a good solution

Milk Cartons – I just cut off the top part, rinsed and filled with soil.

Egg Cartons – I just separate the top and bottom parts and used the top as the bottom of this new Planting tray. I prevent moisture from quickly evaporating into the air, I lined the bottom (top of Egg carton) with a Plastic Bread bag and then added the bottom of the Egg carton to create planting sockets for new seedlings.

Spring 2024 Project update

Lakewood Spring 2024 Projects

A Busy start to 2024! We have a lot of projects lined up for Spring 2024 and thought it was a good time for an update on them.

Starting Seedlings – we started our seed germination and re-used several different packaging as containers/pots to determine which is the best.
We have had some success and learned from others. LOL

Lawn reduction – we have started the process of removing existing lawn for our larger flower beds which will reduce our lawn by 250+ m2 (800+ ft2)

Lawn Reuse – I used a sod cutter so we could relocate this sod to a lower area and use our topsoil to feather the edges and add some seed as needed. We have had some rainy days so, I am hopeful that the sod will take it. After 3 weeks it is still green and growing!

Top Soil for Flowerbeds – we originally got 7 yards of nice topsoil from Daniher Top Soil. They promptly delivered this and it is now piled high in our driveway.

Landscape Fabric/Weed Material – I had ordered some plastic Fabric but after reading about the environmental/growing impact and other issues after a short time, I decided to return it. After searching for some natural options we decided to use good ole Cardboard to act as a weed barrier between “Earth” and our fresh topsoil/mulch layers. We need a lot of cardboard! Today we have ~60% of the West garden area covered with cardboard and thin topsoil cover. Waiting for more cardboard LOL. We are inquiring with a few Appliance shops to see if they have fridge boxes. These should line these beds with a layer of cardboard for weed control.

New Cart Assembly – we also got a Lawnmover cart/trailer to use for many of these projects – including moving many rocks around the yard!

Grobox 17″ Raised Bed – we have ordered this model to test this Spring. We hope that with enough clicks/activity from our Affiliate Link below – GroBox will let us try out the 17″ U shaped Raised Bed model next Spring!
Check their site out – lots of great products are available.

GroBox.ca

Grobox 17″ Raised Bed Project

I am pretty excited, I got the OK from my Boss to purchase a 9 in 1 Raised Garden kit from Grobox.ca next week!

We need a few raised gardens for the veggies and flowers our neighborhood Rabbits also like to eat.
Hopefully, the 17″ high version will be tall enough to re-direct them to the grass for food.

Why did I choose Grobox?

I looked at different manufacturers/products for Garden boxes and decided that Grobox’s 17″ Tall 9-in-1 Modular Garden Kit would meet all our needs.
Grobox is also a Canadian company out of Courtenay BC. Hmmm. We might have to visit there someday.

Grobox has several features that stood out to me. Here are a few of them:

Grobox uses recycled steel substrate coating with “ZAM” (Zinc, Aluminum, Magnesium) increasing longevity, overall performance
Their durable coating is also food-safe (no leeching) and will last decades.
Exterior paint reduces heat absorption and is twice as hard as Galvanized steel.
9 in 1 Module Garden kit offers 9 different setup options allowing it to work anywhere.
17″ height should keep the animals out and reduce bending over when you’re enjoying the garden.

Ordering this Raised Garden kit is just one of the several projects, we have planned for our 2024 Growing season.

Busy start to 2024!
We have many Spring 2024 Project updates lined up for Spring 2024 and thought it was a good time for an update on each of them.

We are also set up as an affiliate – Check their site out – lots of great products are available.

Grobox.ca

3 Ways to Live a Green Lifestyle: Everyday Activities You Can Do

Introduction

Living a green lifestyle is not just a trend; it’s a necessity for sustainable living and the well-being of our planet. Small, everyday actions can significantly impact the environment. Here are three effective ways to incorporate green practices into your daily routine.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The first step towards a green lifestyle is to follow the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Start by minimizing waste. Opt for products with less packaging, and choose reusable items over disposable ones. Recycling materials like paper, plastic, and metal can also drastically reduce the waste that ends up in landfills. By being mindful of what you consume and how you dispose of it, you contribute positively to the environment.

Conserve Energy

Energy conservation is another crucial aspect of a green lifestyle. Simple habits like turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronic devices, and using energy-efficient appliances can save energy and reduce carbon footprints. Consider switching to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power if possible. These small changes can collectively lead to significant energy savings.

Embrace Sustainable Transportation

Transportation is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Opt for eco-friendly modes of transport whenever possible. Walking, cycling, or using public transit are excellent alternatives to driving. If you need to use a car, consider carpooling or investing in an electric or hybrid vehicle. These choices help reduce air pollution and conserve natural resources.

Conclusion

Adopting a green lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By integrating small, sustainable practices into your daily routine, you can make a meaningful impact on the environment. Remember, every little effort counts towards creating a healthier planet for future generations.

Fall Composting: Essential Tasks and Vegetable Tips

Why Fall Composting Matters

As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the landscape, it’s time to think about our composting efforts. Fall is an essential season for composting because it allows us to prepare our gardens for winter while enriching the soil for the upcoming spring. By focusing on two key essential composting tasks during this time, you can ensure your compost pile remains active all year long!

Essential Composting Tasks for Fall

The first task is to add fallen leaves to your compost pile. Leaves are a fantastic source of carbon, which balances out the nitrogen-rich materials you might have collected throughout summer. Just remember to shred the leaves first—they’ll break down faster!

The second task involves harvesting the final crops of the season. Take a good look at your garden and gather any remaining vegetables that are ready for harvest. Not only will this clear out your garden beds, but you can also toss any vegetable scraps into your compost bin to enhance its nutrient content.

Best Household Vegetables for Composting

When it comes to composting, some household vegetables are better than others. For instance, leafy greens like lettuce and spinach decompose quickly and add valuable nitrogen to your compost. Similarly, vegetable peels from carrots and potatoes make a great addition too! Just remember to avoid adding meat or dairy products to your compost as they can attract pests.

In conclusion, as you enjoy the crisp fall air, don’t forget your compost! By completing these essential tasks and knowing which vegetables to compost, you’ll be contributing to a richer earth come springtime. Happy composting!

The Scientific Benefits of Leaving Leaves on the Ground This Winter

Why Leaves Matter – benefits of leaving leaves

As winter approaches, many homeowners consider raking up the leaves that have fallen from their trees. However, leaving the leaves on the ground can provide significant benefits to both your garden and the local ecosystem. This practice supports soil health, encourages biodiversity, and promotes overall environmental wellness.

Enhancing Soil Quality

When leaves decompose, they contribute essential nutrients back into the soil. This natural process enriches the earth, providing vital organic matter that fosters healthy plant growth come springtime. Microorganisms, worms, and other beneficial decomposers thrive in this environment, creating a fertile ground for seeds to take root.

Supporting Local Wildlife

Leaving leaves undisturbed serves as a crucial habitat for various forms of wildlife. Many insects, such as butterflies and beetles, require leaf litter to shelter and overwinter. Birds and small mammals benefit from shelter and food sources found beneath the leaves, creating a thriving ecosystem in your garden. By raking leaves, you are disrupting these habitats, which could harm local species. – more benefits of leaving leaves.

In conclusion, allowing leaves to remain on the ground during winter is a practice rooted in scientific benefits. From the enhancement of soil quality to supporting local wildlife, it’s clear that this seemingly simple action can have profound impacts on our environment. So, this winter, consider letting nature take its course and enjoy the beauty and Benefits of Leaving Leaves can bring!

For more info, take a look at an article from the Xereces Society

Leave the Leaves to Benefit Wildlife | Xerces Society

Fall Composting: Essential Tasks and Vegetable Tips

All too Clear Movie

All Too Clear:
Beneath the Surface of the Great Lakes
– Inspired Planet Productions

I recently had the opportunity to watch a new documentary called “All too clear” that explored the current situation with invasive mussels in the Great Lakes. I was impressed by the valuable information and stunning underwater footage presented in the film.

The documentary highlighted that while the Great Lakes’ water clarity has improved, this is not necessarily a positive development. Clearer water means less algae and plankton, which reduces the food available for fish ecosystems. It also allows more damaging UV rays to reach deeper depths, potentially leading to increased fish skin cancer and thermal heating of the lakes.

The film focused on two types of invasive mussels impacting the Great Lakes – Zebra mussels and Quagga mussels. These non-native species from the Black Sea region are outcompeting native species and disrupting the entire ecosystem. Their colonies on the lake floors are consuming vital plankton and nutrients, with cascading effects up the food chain.

In addition to the environmental impacts, these invasive mussels are also creating economic challenges, clogging municipal water intakes and requiring costly maintenance. However, the documentary highlighted the efforts of biologists and Indigenous communities to better understand and manage these invasive species.

While the situation seems daunting, here a few easy suggestions on how individuals can help, such as using natural soaps and detergents, planting trees and bee-friendly flowers, and staying informed on the issue.

Overall, “All too clear” offered a thought-provoking look at the complex challenges posed by invasive mussels in the Great Lakes.