Small Actions Big Impact
Welcome to December! Where did the year go? The holidays are barreling towards us. It feels like it was just the 2024 holidays. :) I will keep this newsletter short and sweet since we are all soo busy this time of year. I am so glad you are here!
Big Impact with Small Actions:
We are being pulled in so many different directions and the stress is through the roof if you are staying tapped into the news. Be sure to your preserve your mental health in this time and spend time in nature even if it is your own garden. We are no good if we are depleted and exhausted.
Let’s turn our overwhelm into small actions that build habits to put us in control and also benefit the planet.
Composting is one of the simplest things you can do for your garden. Did you know that Californians throw away nearly 6 tons of food waste each year? YIKES! 18% of material that goes into the landfill is food scraps and it will NEVER decompose because it never touches soil. The food waste off-gases methane gas, which of course, is bad for the planet.
We have a compost caddy next to our sink to collect all food scraps when doing dishes or cleaning up . If you don’t have a caddy you like, our Refill Mercantile downtown has a great one. Compost Caddy
We empty our caddy almost everyday for a family of 4. We have an on site compost bin in part of a raised bed, but if an onsite compost bin feels too overwhelming, you can throw all food scraps go into your city waste green bin. Let’s make small actions together to make a bigger impact on our planet!!
Continue to leave the leaves!! I know it takes time to get used to what it looks like on the ground, but it’s worth stretching out of our comfort zone a bit for the benefit of the soil. Leaving the leaves holds in moisture in the soil, and creates safe places for bugs to overwinter. Once the leaves dry, they will decompose and add carbon back to the soil. It is a win win for humans and the planet.
It is the perfect time to reflect on last year’s garden and what worked and what didn’t. Did you like the tomato varieties you planted? Was your soil healthy and able to provide nutrients to all the plants? We are your best resource in getting the garden of your dreams! Schedule a consultation today!
What To Do In Your Garden This Month:
Rest, relax, day dream and plan your spring garden. Be sure to add a cover crop or add plants to bare soil before the winter rain comes. Sharpen and oil tools and if you can’t do it yourself - Rex’s Hardware downtown Petaluma can sharpen tools. Of course fix irrigation needs for next summer. Kick your feet up and enjoy a good cup of tea!
As everyone begins the holiday shopping season. Remember to support the local business in your area. The grocery stores (Pennrgove Market and Jupiter Foods) that are run by dear friends, and the Refill Mercantile who have become good friends. Of course the Sonoma Spice Queen is is my go to for all family gifts that love to cook!! We have so MANY fabulous small locally owned business in our sweet town. The holiday season is some of their biggest income days that last them through the year. Shopping at local businesses support local families, and give to local organizations that give back to the community. I challenge you to buy local first before you go online or some of my least favorite big businesses. Be sure the choices you make each day impact the greater community!
Here is an example of why we leave the milkweed even though it looks a bit funky, I found 4 monarch caterpillars feasting away on the milkweed fattening up before they chrysalis. yay! My daughter and I were so excited to find them happy and munching away. They didn’t care about the aphids and are happy to eat all the leaves!
Food for thought… I am reflecting on the second full year in business and the gratitude I feel for you all is overflowing!! I appreciate all the love and support in each of you reading the newsletters each month, supporting by booking consultations and projects, the opportunity to be in Made Local Magazine and, of course, the LOVE on social! I am so grateful for you all. You have allowed me to turn this tiny whisper into a dream and then into reality. It is not lost on me how lucky I am to get to live and breathe my passion each day! Thank you and sending you and your families love, peace, joy and life in the New Year!
