The leaf composter

Monday 2nd November. Peter came with me today armed with tool kit and saw, to build a leaf composting bin. I've been helping the neighbours clear leaves from their drive-ways and now have quite a collection. The idea - found in Gardener's World - was to build a metre square area with wooden posts and chicken wire. We decided to site it on the as yet uncleared area near the compost bins, just behind the hedge. We needed to remove all the rubble first, so I saved that to use for the collapsed path at the bottom end of the plot. The enclosure was then to be lined with cardboard. Luckily I had a large amount in the recycling bin at home. It's amazing what comes in useful. We then tipped in five charity bags full of leaves. I'm told it takes at least a year to fully compost, and is quicker when shredded, so maybe a leaf shredder will be next on the wish list!
In between helping to keep the posts straight, I made a start on the sunken path. Wrapped some boards in plastic and used them as path edging and packed in some earth on one side and rubble on the other. It's not perfect but at least it's an improvement. Peter removed the remaining asparagus ferns to the compost bin and put in an extra wire support for the peach tree. Pity we didn't bring lunch with us as it was a beautful sunny day and we could have stayed longer! Still a good morning's work.