RE: How to Make Compost from Leaves
Fabulous article @soulturtle. We have a SUPER natural compost heap in our suburban backyard that's approximately 2 x 2 meters and well over a meter in height.
It's been made by a Brush Turkey who has ~ Without permission ~ Scratched and kicked off all the garden compost that I've been making for years and years, from all the dried leaves and clippings from the garden.
We tried to persuade him to leave but eventually had to concede to his natural instinct to build a nest for all the sweethearts he wanted to attract.
After about 4 months of watching the garden really suffer, through an especially dry summer with no mulch, he's about to leave. And we will now have the most amazing compost under the surface dried leaves because Brush Turkeys turn the pile just about every day and monitor the heat. Will have to take a photo of it for you. 🦋
I absolutely love this comment. How awesome is that? A turkey that makes your compost for you just because he's chosen to settle down in your land. He's built quite the pile in his time there! Is he a wild turkey?
Unfortunate that the garden is suffering. We're lucky to have enough water now but there have been dry spells when the monsoon just doesn't come, so I can relate. Hope your turkey returns when your garden is doing better and has the necessary enticements , but this time stays in a designated spot.
Yes, please send a photo. I'd love to see this magnificent compost making Brush Turkey.
Out of this whole mound came only one baby Brush Turkey. The baby flew way ~ I saw it the other day across the other side of the road and down a street. The Turkey bulder still visits every morning scratching around, looking for food but doesn't seem to worry too much that I'm taking the soil back to the garden again. It's fantastically composted soil now. But a lot of work to restore the garden. Most of the shallow rooted plants/green vegies didn't survive.
That's amazing. What a large pile for such a tiny bird. So great that he's still around and letting you do your thing. Love this photograph!