When you look at the diversity of pick up trucks on the road today you know it is a bit of a risk to generalize – but here’s away. There are 3 types of pick up trucks (or drivers). 1) Those that are for show, shiny paintwork, poly carbonate bed cover hiding a pristine bed, perhaps leather seats – impressive machines that never function as they were designed . 2) Those that are looked after but have grubby beds as they are used to haul stuff – like mulch.3) Those that are work horses and perhaps show too much age – maybe the odd rip in the upholstery, a few dings and dents, permanent things in the bed – like the bed is used for storage. All 3 types though exude a degree of authenticity.
Pick up trucks are also a magnet to ex-pat Brits – something macho that the suburban British male is attracted to. The 3 brits I knew in NC all had trucks – Chef had a big white monster; RollsRoyceGuy and Paul the golfer both had beautiful pearlescent blues. All very happy with their chariots.
There is also diversity in mulch.Mulch is one of those things that gardeners do not immediately gravitate towards.What would you rather do with your hard earned cash – buy some great plants or a truck load of pine straw? It is only when you understand the biological purpose of mulch that its value comes home. Weed suppression, moisture retention, soil conditioning ( if your mulch choice is biological), landscape beautification, improved drainage. My favorite is shredded pine bark because it has the added advantage of a magnificent aroma – so aromatic. However, gravel, slate and pebbles all look well in the right setting – critical to xeric plantings- perhaps the best example is Beth Chatto’s iconic gravel garden.
One thing I never expected to see was gravel mulch and RollsRoyceGuy’s (RRG) truck in the same photo – formerly his truck was a category 1 truck. Na’er the two would meet. But now pearlescent blue is firmly in category 2 and is the best evidence yet that RRG is on the slippery slope to becoming a gardener!
Even nicer truck!
AndAllenGarden 