The Ecological Landscaping Association and the New England Wildflower Society will sponsor The Trouble with Earthworms, a tour led by Mark Richardson, on Tuesday, August 12 from 6 – 8 at Garden in the Woods in Framingham. $25 for ELA/NEWFS members, $35 for non-members.
Leaf collection, hauling, and disposal are a large annual cost to property owners and a waste of resources ecologically. Across the industry, many have adopted the practice of mulch-in-place, which eliminates the expense of hauling leaves off site and purchasing mulch. Using leaf litter as mulch builds soil organic matter, and fosters a healthy soil food web. It is a sound horticultural practice with many benefits. However, it also may be encouraging localized populations of invasive earthworms, which in turn destroy soil structure, speed up nutrient cycles, and favor invasive plant growth.
Part of the confusion surrounding earthworms might be explained best by Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies ecologist Peter Groffman, who states that “Earthworms are not necessarily making the soil healthy, but they are attracted to healthy soil.” Earthworms can improve the physical condition of certain soil such as heavy clay soil or soil compacted by heavy equipment. But if good soil management is being practiced, earthworms do not have a positive effect on aeration or the movement of water or air through the soil.
Join tour guide Mark Richardson, who will discuss Garden in the Woods ecological management practices as well as research aimed at slowing down the booming population of earthworms in the Garden. Register by calling 617-436-5838, or on line at https://www.eventville.com/catalog/eventregistration1.asp?eventid=1011038.
