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 Olbrich's Leaf Mulch Sales
Olbrich Leaf Mulch is made from leaves collected by the City of
Madison that are delivered to Olbrich where they're composted outside
during the winter. Starting in March, the leaves are shredded
and bagged. Leaf mulch is beneficial for annuals, perennials, shrubs,
trees, and in vegetable gardens. It cuts down on watering and weeding,
recycles local leaves, and is credited for Olbrich's healthy looking
gardens. This leaf mulch is available only at Olbrich.
Please note: We recommend lining the inside of your vehicle with a tarp before loading bags of leaf mulch. The bags of mulch are not airtight and liquid may seep out during transport. Bagged mulch is available in the spring only, while supplies last.
2012 sale dates
Spring Bagged & Bulk, Full-Service Sales
We'll load the bags into your vehicle!
Bags = $6.50 each, plus tax
Bulk scoops = $40 each, plus tax |
| Thursday, May 24 |
12 - 5 pm |
| Friday, May 25 |
12 - 5 pm |
Spring Load-Your Own Sales
Pay in the Gift Shop, then load the bags
of mulch into your vehicle!
Bags = $6.50 each, plus tax |
Available daily
while supplies last |
10 am - 4 pm |
Spring Bulk Mulch Sales
Bulk scoops = $40 each, plus tax
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| Thursday, April 19 |
1 - 5 pm |
| Saturday, April 21 |
9 am - 1 pm |
| Thursday, April 26 |
1 - 5 pm |
| Saturday, April 28 |
9 am - 1 pm |
| Saturday, May 5 |
9 am -1 pm |
| Saturday, May 19 |
9 am - 1 pm |
Fall Bulk Mulch Sales
Bulk scoops = $40 each, plus tax |
| Saturday, September 22 |
9 am - 1 pm |
| Saturday, September 29 |
9 am - 1 pm |
| Saturday, October 6 |
9 am - 1 pm |
| Saturday, October 13 |
9 am - 1 pm |
 Leaf Mulch Benefits
- cuts down on watering
- recycles local
leaves
- controls soil erosion and retains
soil moisture
- regulates soil temperatures
- reduces
weeds
- plants in beds mulched with leaves
show reduced drought stress
- adds nutrients and improves soil
structure
- beneficial for annuals, perennials,
shrubs, trees, and in vegetable gardens
- made from a local product
- the City of Madison saves the time and money required to
haul leaves to outlying compost sites
Leaf Mulch Fact Sheet
 Composition
Olbrich Leaf Mulch is made from leaves collected by the City of
Madison during the height of the autumn leaf drop. Leaves collected
at this time are primarily from ash, maple, and oak tress as well
as a small amount from linden trees. There is very little other
refuse (branches, bark, street sand, etc.) in the leaves delivered
to Olbrich.
Process
The leaves are delivered to Olbrich where they're composted outside
during the winter. Starting in March, the leaves are shredded
and bagged. Olbrich also grinds large quantities of leaf mulch
for use throughout the year in all of its gardens.
Olbrich Leaf Mulch pH
Tests to determine the pH of Olbrich leaf mulch indicate that it's
neutral. In addition, soil tests of areas in Olbrich Gardens
where leaf mulch has been used for many years indicate that the
leaf mulch does not change the pH of the soil. Tests done by
Rutgers Cooperative Extension at the State University of New
Jersey confirm this finding.
 Benefits of Leaf Mulch
Leaf mulch protects plants by controlling soil erosion and retaining
moisture in the soil. During hot dry weather, plants in beds
mulched with leaves show reduced drought stress. As leaf mulch
breaks down and is incorporated into the soil, the mulch adds
nutrients and improves soil structure. Leaf mulch is beneficial
for annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and in vegetable gardens.
Olbrich Gardens uses leaf mulch throughout the gardens.
In addition to being excellent mulch, Olbrich leaf mulch is made
from a local product. By using leaves from the fall collection,
the City of Madison saves the time and money required to haul leaves
to outlying compost sites.
When to Apply
Springtime application of leaf mulch is often done when the gardener
has time. However, if possible, it's best to apply leaf mulch
to perennials after beds have been cleaned up, and plants have
been divided and re-planted. Ideally, mulch should be applied
just as the perennials begin to emerge.
With annuals and vegetables, leaf mulch should be applied immediately
after plugs are planted or seedlings are emerging.
Coverage
Each bag of Olbrich leaf mulch covers a 35 square foot area when
applied at a depth of 2 to 3 inches.
UPCOMING Events
Leaf Mulch Sales
Plant Sale with the Pros
Mother's Day Concert
Tax Planning with an Impact Seminar
Rhapsody in Bloom
Guided Garden Strolls
Summer Concerts in the Gardens
Bolz Conservatory Exhibit: Light Gaps
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