Okay, I have a bit of an issue that is hanging over from last year and needs to be dealt with so I need some suggestions.
When my helpers dug my garden last year they decided in their infinite wisdom to pile up the grass that had to be cleared until a little later at which point they would shake off the dirt and get rid of it. Well that didn't happen so now I literally have a heap on my back lawn.
there isn't really anywhere for me to move it to get rid of it unless I pay someone to come dig it up and throw it on their truck to take away. By now I imagine all the lower layer is just soil and there is grass growing on top. It's about 6' X 3' and goes from 0 to 2' high. It's sitting near the rear of the yard about 6' away from the fence, so basically a heap in the middle of nowhere. For sure the grass that was under it is dead now but I can always throw seed down if it is cleared.
I'm looking for ideas of what to do with it that will be the most cost effective and least amount of heavy labour. If it's as good in soil as the rest of my yard, it's great soil so I'm thinking maybe I could build a frame around it and make it a raised bed in the middle of nowhere instead of a lump. That would save me doing much more than moving the stuff around a bit to level it and building the frame. Of course one issue is how to make it look like something other than it was just thrown in that area with no thought because it's not really even in a corner or anything.
It might be neat to have a little pond in front and leave the lump, add some rocks and plants, but too much work and expense I think.
I thought of spreading it around but that will kill my back probably so I want to avoid back problems.
So, what would you do with a large lump when you really have no desire for it but need to deal with it?
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Maybe trim it out with either Allen Blocks or landscape ties to keep it contained and help with the spread of grass and weeds into it.
that pond picture is exactly the type of thing that I was thinking but I think it's just beyond what I can do right now. I like the mounded planting idea and it would mean just loosening the top up a bit to plant (well and pulling all the grass that is growing on it). maybe a well placed birdbath on one side or a seat in front could help look like I did it on purpose?
Hi DBD....I think a fish pond would be really nice ...I have one and really enjoy it...Do you have access to a plug-in for the pump?Afish pond is not too costly ....you can buy the kits that include enerything you need...I bought my fish for $5.99 doz.3 yrs ago...you have to bring them inside the garage for the winter. ....a mounded flower bed would look great..but would need a foundation so it doesn't wash away..I guess both ideas are work :hairpull:
Is it something you can just spread gradually, because I have visions of a little hill with a white lawn chair or two in front. Very impractical as trying to cut this mound would be a nightmare and I don't think it would be attractive, still look like a mound without additional landscaping. As you stated the soil is good so my advice would be that every day take three or four (5 - 6) shovelfuls and spread on grass and water down. Don't do it all at once though I know the tendicity to complete it will be there. It will disappear. Also is there any chance that someone near by is looking for good soil and would want to take it away. :hairpull: Frustrating.
As you stated there are other alteratives but unfortunately they lead to more labour and expense.. I do like your idea of a pond and with it being somewhat adjacent to your garage would be great . Don't forget to forward pictures of your garage and flowers, when everything starts to bud and bloom.
Someone out there will have the ideal solution.