Twin Springs

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Filling the ditch with mulch
The graywater trench mulch filling is a continual process. Others who have tried similar projects indicated it is possible to call lawn services who would be happy to drop off tree chippings so they don't have to take them to the dump. We don't need the trench filled overnight and have started by using the pine needles from the trees in front of the house and grass clippings from our tiny lawn. We have been able to use all the leaves from the Arizona ash when they fall in December. Unchipped sticks do not break down well, so although we trim shrubs, the clippings do not end up in the trench.

We did have a compost pile in our kitchen garden. The picture on the right is that pile with the dried, uncomposted material moved to the new ditch. What is left to be seen are swarms of pill bugs - the predominant composter in our neck of the woods, er, cacti.
Photo of kitchen compost with a lot of pill bugs converting vegetable matter into compost.
As of early August after construction, the ditch is filled about a foot from the top with local mulch. Also note the hole awaiting a fruit tree or two.
Photo of ditch partially filled with compostable material.
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