"jane" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 2 Nov 2003 22:52:45 -0000, "Heather"
wrote:

~Thanks to Steve on the koi. I will give them a chance then. I really do
~need more marginals to disguise the edges of the fibreglass pond, so
they'll
~have to learn to live with plants.
~
~Thanks to Franz on the leaf mould. I have made it before in a bigger
garden
~in a wire mesh enclosure, but that was only about 20% sycamore and they
took
~the longest to rot. This time it's 90% sycamore, hence the question

I have three overlooking my front garden and have a
leafblower/shredder which makes life a lot easier at this time of
year. I did without it for the first three years I was here, and the
solid unshredded sycamores take about 2 years in a bin liner to rot
down nicely (though I do keep them in the garage). I'm hoping the
shredded ones take less time, but only did those for the first time
last year.
They are a lot tougher than a lot of leaves, sadly, so do take extra
time to rot. Franz, if yours rot in a year you're a lucky man...

I had no problem. I have just looked up my old garden diaries and I am now
reminded that I have to confess to adding about 20 cc of Garotta to each
bagful, and to making sure that the leaves were thoroughly damp. Mea culpa.

[snip]

Franz