#landscape bark nuggets

[mountainbarkexpress]

Looking for premium Landscaping products in Calgary, Canada?

Looking for premium bark products in Canada? Click here for top-quality mulch, bark nuggets, and ground cover solutions. Perfect for landscaping projects, MTN Bark offers natural, sustainable products that enhance soil health and garden aesthetics. Elevate your outdoor spaces with eco-friendly mulch options today!

[leestraussbooks]

Pergola Patio Mid-sized rustic backyard patio kitchen idea with concrete pavers and a pergola

[scaredeverything]

Pergola Patio

Mid-sized rustic backyard patio kitchen idea with concrete pavers and a pergola

[silly-drawings-by-sugar]

Traditional Landscape - Front Yard An example of a large traditional drought-tolerant and full sun front yard mulch landscaping in summer.

[a1asod]

Enhancing Your Garden’s Beauty With Gold Timberline Mulch

When it comes to landscaping and gardening, finding the right mulch can make a significant difference in the overall aesthetics and health of your outdoor space. One mulch variety that has gained popularity among gardeners is Gold Timberline Mulch. In this blog, we will explore the benefits and uses of it and how it can enhance the beauty of your garden.

What is Gold Timberline Mulch?

Gold Timberline Mulch is a premium organic mulch made from finely ground, aged bark. It is renowned for its rich golden color, which adds warmth and vibrancy to any garden. This mulch variety undergoes a rigorous composting process, ensuring that it is free from weeds, pests, and diseases.

The Benefits Of Gold Timberline Mulch:

Weed Suppression: It acts as a natural barrier, preventing weed growth in your garden beds. By inhibiting weed germination and growth, it reduces the need for manual weeding and helps maintain a clean and well-maintained garden.

Moisture Retention: One of the significant advantages of using this Mulch is its ability to retain moisture in the soil. It acts as a protective layer, reducing evaporation and helping the soil stay moist for longer periods. This is especially beneficial during hot summer months or in regions with dry climates.

Temperature Regulation: It acts as an insulating layer, protecting plant roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. It keeps the soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, creating a more stable environment for plants to thrive.

Enhancing Garden Aesthetics:

Visual Appeal: The rich golden color of Gold Timberline adds an instant visual appeal to any garden. Whether you have vibrant flowers, lush greenery, or architectural plants, the contrast provided by the golden mulch creates a stunning backdrop, making your plants stand out.

Uniformity And Cleanliness: By applying a layer of Gold Mulch, you can achieve a uniform look throughout your garden. It covers any exposed soil, providing a clean and polished appearance. Additionally, the mulch prevents soil erosion, keeping your garden beds intact and tidy.

Best Practices For Using Gold Timberline Mulch:

Preparation: Before applying It, clear the garden beds of any existing weeds or debris. It is also recommended to add a layer of organic compost or fertilizer to provide additional nutrients to the soil.

Thickness: Apply a layer of Timberline Mulch that is about 2–3 inches thick. This thickness allows for proper moisture retention and weed suppression while still allowing air circulation to the plant roots.

Mulch Maintenance: Regularly check and replenish the mulch layer as needed, especially after heavy rain or wind. Maintaining an adequate mulch layer ensures that your garden continues to receive the full benefits of Gold Mulch.

Conclusion Garden Mulch is a valuable asset for gardeners looking to enhance the beauty and health of their outdoor spaces. With its weed-suppressing qualities, moisture retention abilities, and visual appeal, it provides a multitude of benefits for your garden beds. By following the best practices for its application and maintenance, you can enjoy a vibrant and well-maintained garden all year round.

Source: https://bit.ly/46p7TFs

[kontextmaschine]

Okay, today I got up early (cause setting my alarm ain't no thang anymore) to talk to a landscaper about tilling up and leveling the lower backyard, then I finished distributing the last of the medium hemlock mulch, went back to the landscaping yard and got half a yard of bark nuggets, distributed them as a durable top layer around trees, and assembled maybe half the weight bench before it got too dark

[citilandscape]

Revamp Your Garden: Unlock the Magic of Decorative Bark and Elite Landscaping Services in West Auckland

Introduction

Transforming your garden into a breathtaking sanctuary involves a blend of creativity, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship. In West Auckland, homeowners have access to top-notch landscaping services and an array of premium Auckland landscape supplies. This article explores how decorative bark, including red decorative bark and decorative bark chips, can enhance your garden, and how the best landscapers in West Auckland can bring your garden vision to life.

Understanding Decorative Bark

What is Decorative Bark?

Decorative bark is a versatile landscaping material used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of garden spaces. It comes in various forms, including shredded bark, chips, and nuggets, each offering different visual and functional benefits. Its primary role is to add a finishing touch to garden beds, paths, and around trees and shrubs.

Types of Decorative Bark

Red Decorative Bark

Red decorative bark is a popular choice for creating a striking visual contrast in gardens. Its vibrant hue can make garden features stand out and add warmth to the landscape. It’s especially effective when used in areas where you want to draw attention or create focal points.

Decorative Bark Chips

Decorative bark chips are versatile and durable, making them an excellent choice for various landscaping applications. They provide a uniform look and can be used on pathways, around plants, or as ground cover. Their natural appearance blends seamlessly with different garden styles.

Benefits of Decorative Bark

Moisture Retention

One of the key advantages of decorative bark is its ability to retain soil moisture. By covering the soil, it reduces evaporation, which helps maintain consistent moisture levels for plants. This is particularly beneficial during dry periods.

Weed Suppression

Decorative bark acts as a natural barrier to weed growth. By preventing sunlight from reaching the soil surface, it inhibits weed seeds from germinating, reducing the need for manual weeding and chemical herbicides.

Soil Insulation

Another benefit is its insulating properties. Decorative bark helps regulate soil temperature, protecting plant roots from extreme heat and cold. This creates a more stable environment for plant growth throughout the seasons.

Incorporating Decorative Bark into Your Garden Design

Creating Garden Borders

Using decorative bark to outline garden beds or pathways can create clean, defined edges. This not only enhances the overall appearance but also helps in preventing soil erosion and maintaining garden structure.

Enhancing Plant Bases

Placing decorative bark around the bases of plants and trees adds a finished look and helps in controlling weeds. It also provides a contrasting background that can highlight the plants and improve their visibility.

Designing Pathways and Walkways

Decorative bark chips can be used to create attractive and functional pathways. They offer a natural and rustic appearance while providing a soft, comfortable surface for walking.

Landscaping Services in West Auckland

Overview of Landscaping Services

Landscaping services in West Auckland encompass a wide range of activities aimed at improving outdoor spaces. From initial design to installation and maintenance, these services cater to various needs and preferences.

Importance of Professional Landscaping

Engaging professional landscaping services ensures that your garden is designed and executed with expertise. Skilled landscapers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensuring that every aspect of your garden is carefully planned and implemented.

Finding the Best Landscapers in West Auckland

Expertise and Reputation

When searching for the best landscapers in West Auckland, look for those with a solid reputation and extensive experience. Top landscapers will have a portfolio of successful projects and positive customer reviews.

Comprehensive Services

The best landscapers offer comprehensive services, including design, installation, and maintenance. This ensures that every stage of your garden project is handled professionally, resulting in a cohesive and well-executed design.

Top Landscape Supplies in West Auckland

Essential Landscape Supplies

West Auckland is home to a range of landscape supplies, including decorative bark, topsoil, landscape sand, and pavers. These materials are crucial for creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.

Top Soil

Top soil is a fundamental component of garden health. It provides essential nutrients for plant growth and helps improve soil structure. High-quality topsoil is available from various suppliers in West Auckland.

Landscape Sand

Landscape sand is used to create stable bases for paving and other hardscape features. It aids in drainage and provides a solid foundation for construction.

Pavers

Pavers are versatile and durable materials used for creating pathways, firth driveways pavers, firth permeable pavers, bowers driveway pavers, bowers pavers and patios. They come in various styles and materials, allowing for customizable designs that enhance garden aesthetics.

Affordable Landscaping Options in Auckland

Budget-Friendly Landscaping Solutions

Affordable landscaping options make it possible for homeowners to achieve their garden goals without overspending. Look for local services that offer competitive pricing and flexible packages.

Maximizing Value

To get the most value out of your landscaping investment, prioritize key areas of your garden that will have the most significant impact. Professional landscapers can help you allocate your budget effectively, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the overall beauty and functionality of your garden.

Gardening Tips for West Auckland

Understanding Local Climate

Gardening in West Auckland requires an understanding of the local climate and soil conditions. The temperate climate supports a wide range of plants, but it’s essential to choose species that are well-suited to the conditions.

Soil Preparation and Maintenance

Proper soil preparation is crucial for healthy plant growth. Ensure that your garden soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter. Regular maintenance, including mulching and fertilizing, will keep your garden in top condition.

Garden Maintenance Services in West Auckland

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular garden maintenance is essential for preserving the health and appearance of your outdoor space. Maintenance services include tasks such as pruning, weeding, and seasonal planting.

Professional Garden Maintenance

Engaging professional garden maintenance services ensures that your garden receives expert care. Landscapers in West Auckland offer tailored maintenance plans to address the specific needs of your garden, keeping it looking pristine year-round.

City Landscaping: Integrating Green Spaces

Urban Garden Solutions

City landscaping focuses on integrating green spaces into urban environments. This approach creates a balance between built and natural environments, enhancing the quality of life for city residents.

Innovative Landscaping Techniques

Urban landscaping often involves innovative techniques to maximize space and functionality. Vertical gardens, rooftop gardens, and compact planting solutions are popular in city landscapes.

The Role of Local Landscaping Services

Personalized Service

Local landscaping services provide a personal touch, understanding the specific needs and preferences of the community. This localized approach ensures that your garden reflects your individual style and suits the local environment.

Community Expertise

Local landscapers have a deep understanding of the regional climate, soil types, and plant species. This expertise allows them to create gardens that thrive in the unique conditions of West Auckland.

Conclusion

Transforming your garden into a beautiful and functional space involves careful planning, quality materials, and expert services. Decorative bark, including red decorative bark and decorative bark chips, plays a significant role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your garden. Coupled with the expertise of the best landscapers in West Auckland and access to top landscape supplies, you can create a stunning outdoor space that reflects your style and meets your needs. Embrace the possibilities of professional landscaping services and watch your garden flourish into a captivating retreat.

[leisure-lawn]

Enhance Yard Landscape with Ground Covering Services in Oklahoma

Transforming your garden or landscape bed can significantly boost the curb appeal and health of your outdoor space. If you're a homeowner in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and surrounding areas, Leisure Lawn offers top-notch mulch or rock ground covering services tailored to meet your unique needs. This blog delves into the benefits and options available for mulch and rock ground covers, ensuring your landscape stays beautiful and vibrant year-round.

Why Choose Mulch or Rock Ground Coverings?

Mulch or rock ground covering service Oklahoma are essential for maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing landscape. These coverings not only enhance the appearance of your garden but also provide several functional benefits:

Insulation: Mulch and rock act as insulators, protecting the soil from extreme temperatures. This helps maintain a stable environment for your plants, ensuring they thrive in both hot and cold weather.

Moisture Retention: By covering the soil, mulch and rock help retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering. This is especially beneficial during dry spells, ensuring your plants remain hydrated.

Weed Control: A good layer of mulch or rock prevents the growth of weeds, saving you time and effort in maintaining a neat garden.

Disease Prevention: Ground coverings can help keep soil-borne diseases at bay, protecting your plants and promoting a healthier garden environment.

Popular Types of Mulch and Rock in Oklahoma

Choosing the right type of mulch or rock for your garden depends on both aesthetic preferences and functional requirements. Here are some popular options available through Leisure Lawn’s mulch or rock ground covering service in Oklahoma:

Mulch Options:

Black Dyed Mulch: Adds a striking contrast to your garden beds, making plants stand out.

Cedar Mulch: Naturally resistant to pests and decay, cedar mulch is a durable option.

Dyed Cedar Mulch: Offers the benefits of cedar with added color options.

Ground Cedar Mulch: Provides a finer texture, ideal for a uniform look.

Hardwood Mulch: Long-lasting and effective at moisture retention.

Pecan Mulch: A unique, aesthetically pleasing option with a rich color.

Pine Bark Nuggets: Large nuggets that are great for decorative purposes.

Red Dyed Mulch: Adds a vibrant touch to your landscape.

Rock Options:

Black Lava Rock: Provides a bold, dramatic look.

Decomposed Granite: A versatile choice, perfect for pathways and garden beds.

Limestone: Offers a clean, classic appearance.

Red Lava Rock: Adds a warm, earthy tone to your landscape.

Santa Fe Rock: Known for its unique, attractive color and texture.

Shadow Stone: A sophisticated option for a sleek look.

Washed Gravel: Ideal for driveways and larger landscape areas.

The Leisure Lawn Advantage

At Leisure Lawn, we are committed to providing exceptional mulch or rock ground covering service oklahoma. Our team works closely with homeowners to determine the best options for their specific needs.

[flashlightlux]

commercial mulch installation 9/5/2023

You aim to satisfy your clients by delivering outstanding results on time. But finding a trustworthy supplier who offers competitive prices and consistent quality can be a hassle. It's frustrating when you experience delays or receive low-quality commercial mulch installation that puts your projects at risk. You deserve a smooth and efficient process that lets you concentrate on providing exceptional landscaping services. Mini Pine Bark Nuggets: These small nuggets are perfect for filling hard-to-reach areas or providing a textured look. It's also lightweight, making it easy to install.

Bella Mulch, a wholesale landscape supply company, prioritizes the efficient and prompt delivery of exceptional products. Our aim is to provide you with a seamless and hassle-free experience, maintaining transparent communication throughout your order. We meticulously grind and color our bulk mulch to guarantee outstanding quality for your project. Our welcoming team is dedicated to assisting you in selecting the ideal bulk landscape supplies and resolving any delivery inquiries.

[newslux]

residential mulch installation 9/4/2023

You aim to satisfy your clients by delivering outstanding results on time. But finding a trustworthy supplier who offers competitive prices and consistent quality can be a hassle. It's frustrating when you experience delays or receive low-quality residential mulch installation that puts your projects at risk. You deserve a smooth and efficient process that lets you concentrate on providing exceptional landscaping services. Mini Pine Bark Nuggets: These small nuggets are perfect for filling hard-to-reach areas or providing a textured look. It's also lightweight, making it easy to install.

At Bella Mulch, a wholesale landscape supply company, we focus on delivering excellent products easily and quickly. We want your experience to be smooth and stress-free, so we keep communication clear during the order process. We grind and color our bulk mulch to ensure top-notch quality for your project. Our friendly team is here to help you choose the perfect bulk landscape supplies and address any delivery questions

[thetreecareguide]

7 Tree Care Tips for Property Owners

Need help keeping your trees from becoming hazards on your property? Understanding some basic tree care techniques will help prevent your trees’ sickness, destabilization, and death.

thetreecareguide.com gathered some essential tips to help property owners give their trees the best care so they thrive and stay healthy well into maturity.

1. Tree Selection

When searching for the “perfect” tree, you’ll want to look for one with a straight trunk. Trees that grow into large shade trees should have a strong central leader (trunk) with branches evenly distributed around it. Consider the following when selecting a tree:

Size (knowing the mature height and spread of trees can prevent multiple landscape problems)

USDA Hardiness Zone (A crucial consideration when selecting trees is their cold hardiness)

Pest Susceptibility

Soil Requirements

Tip: Send a soil sample to your state’s university extension for testing. This will reveal the soil’s nutrient content and availability, pH value, microbial activity, etc. This test will guide you if any soil adjustments are needed for healthy tree growth.

2. Tree Planting and Location

Trees can be planted anytime, as long as you can dig an adequate planting hole. If the ground is frozen, it’s better to wait for the thaw. Generally, the more time between planting a tree and the beginning of summer, the better (that makes fall the best time to plant new trees). Early spring is another popular planting time as well. Consider the following when planting your tree:

Dig the hole (2 to 3 times wider than the diameter of the tree's rootball)

Massage, loosen, and trim the roots

Place the tree in the center of the hole

Fill in the hole

Build a wide soil berm (this will help when watering your tree)

Stake and tie the tree

Water the tree thoroughly

Add a 3-inch layer of mulch

Tip: Trees should not be too close to buildings or power lines, and you should consider where you want shade or wind relief around your property. Try to plant trees 15 to 20 feet away from buildings when possible. Evergreens and clumping trees are typically used along property lines (as privacy screens) and in windbreaks.

3. Watering Schedule

Newly planted trees require more frequent watering than established ones. They should be watered at their planting time and at the following intervals:

1 to 2 weeks after planting, water daily

3 to 12 weeks after planting, water every 2 to 3 days

After 12 weeks, water weekly until roots are established

The above is a great rule of thumb, but different trees and soil types require different watering patterns, so keep that in mind to ensure your trees are properly watered.

Note: Water thoroughly before planting, at planting time, and the day after planting. This helps settle the soil and eliminates large air pockets.

4. Why You Need to Mulch

Tree care professionals prefer organic mulches, like wood chips, pine needles, hardwood and softwood bark, composted leaves, and other compost mixes. When these mulches decompose, they improve soil structure and increase soil fertility. Other benefits of proper mulching include the following:

Preserves soil moisture by increasing water infiltration and slowing evaporation

Significantly improves soil structure, fertility, and aeration as it decomposes

Efficiently moderates soil temperature, protecting roots from extreme summer and winter temperatures

Note: The most beneficial mulch options include wood chips, bark nuggets, composted leaves, or pine needles.

5. Seasonal Tree Pruning

Pruning can remove limbs and branches with a disease, fungi, and other decay, stopping them from spreading to healthier branches or the trunk. Removing these branches also exposes the others to more sunlight and air circulation, which helps reduce disease occurrence.

Note: Late winter is the best time to prune most trees. Trees are still dormant at this time of year, and, unlike early winter, wound closure will be rapid if pruning occurs just prior to the growing season.

6. Insect Pests and Diseases

Insect pests can be classified into three categories when regarding trees:

Chewing insects that eat portions of the tree (Japanese beetles, gypsy moths, tent caterpillars, etc.)

Sucking insects that suck sugars out of the tree’s stems and leaves (aphids and scales)

Boring insects that bore into the tree to eat portions of the inner bark or create nests. These insects cause the most damage to trees (Emerald Ash Borer, bark beetles, pine beetles, etc.)

Prevention: Apply insecticidal sprays in 2-week intervals before and during the growing season. However, insects can build up tolerance to even the best insecticide when used repeatedly. Alternate applying insecticides with different active ingredients.

Tree diseases, fungi, and viruses have three crucial factors: the host, the pathogen, and the environment (these make up the disease triangle). Consider the following:

The host is identified as the tree or plant in question

The pathogen is the disease, fungi, or virus

The environment is all the factors influencing the pathogen and host

Most tree species are susceptible to at least one disease-causing fungi. Yet, most fungi are beneficial to their host (only a few are harmful to trees).

Disease can be carried by vectors, most commonly insects. This is seen in dutch elm disease, where the bark beetle acts as a vector. Given there are a multitude of diseases, being able to properly identify the disease or pest that's doing the damage will help you considerably in resolving your issue.

Prevention: Fungicides kill the fungi that cause many common tree diseases. Treatment methods may include tree spraying or fungicide injection into the truck, branches, or soil. Insecticides should also be considered, as many pathogens migrate on insect vectors.

7. Tree Fertilizing and Pulling Weeds

When needed, the best time to fertilize is mid-spring (April or early May) or late fall once trees are dormant. The fertilizer should be spread evenly across the soil surface, and the amount of nitrogen applied should be 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

Note: Early spring growth depends almost entirely on nutrients absorbed and stored the previous year.

Tree Care Tips

In this article, you discovered tree planting and care tips to help you keep your trees healthy and strong as they grow and tower over your property.

Knowing what to do for your trees when planting them and as they grow will help you keep them thriving and prevent them from dying and falling on your property.

Not knowing the best ways to plant, care for, water, and trim trees leaves them vulnerable, and you responsible to spend money to have them removed.

Sources: extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs csfs.colostate.edu/2018/02/20/late-winter-best-time-prune-trees-colorado/ ourcityforest.org/blog/2020/4/17/identifying-tree-pests-and-disease canopy.org/tree-info/caring-for-trees/mature-trees/ arborday.org/trees/tips/

For the original version of this article visit: http://www.thetreecareguide.com/7-tree-care-tips-for-property-owners/

[companews]

commercial mulch installation 11/22

At Bella Mulch, we offer a variety of compost alternatives to fit your details requirements: Our brown compost is excellent for including a natural touch to your landscape. In contrast, our red compost supplies a pop of shade. For an extra contemporary look, our black mulch is optimal. We additionally supply tiny pine bark nuggets for those who desire an even more one-of-a-kind look. Our IPEMA-certified playground compost is ideal for risk-free and also enjoyable play areas. Regardless of your requirements, we have the best mulch for you. Commercial mulch installation.

Since 2012, our compost firm has actually been providing property mulch services to home owners in the location. We have the experience and also understanding to do the work right the first time. Whether you need a small amount of mulch for your yards or a bigger quantity for your landscaping, we can help. Our experience gives you with the most effective feasible service and suggestions to ensure that your mulch lasts for many years.

If so, after that look no further than Bella Mulch. We are the leading mulch supplier in the Myrtle Beach area.

[industrynews4all]

residential mulch installation 11/22

At Bella Mulch, we offer a wide variety of mulch options to suit your specific needs: Our brown mulch is perfect for adding a natural touch to your landscape. In contrast, our red mulch provides a pop of color. For a more modern look, our black mulch is ideal. We also offer mini pine bark nuggets for those who want a more unique look. Our IPEMA-certified playground mulch is perfect for safe and fun play areas. No matter your needs, we have the perfect mulch for you. Residential mulch installation.

Since 2012, our mulch company has been providing residential mulch services to homeowners in the area. We have the experience and knowledge to do the job right the first time. Whether you need a small amount of mulch for your gardens or a larger amount for your landscaping, we can help. Our experience provides you with the best possible service and advice to ensure that your mulch lasts for years. 

Have you been searching for "mulch installers near me?" If so, then look no further than Bella Mulch. We are the leading mulch supplier in the Myrtle Beach area. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best products and services. With our extensive knowledge and experience, we can help you create the perfect landscape for your home.

[chb-requests]

how about leo comforting his s/o after a nightmare?

The ground shook violently beneath me before splintering open with the crack of a whip, revealing the hellish landscape awaiting underneath. The fire, the screams, it all reaches me and I feel my heart racing a hundred miles a minute. I’m falling, I’m flying, I don’t know where this is going and all I can do is scream the loudest I can. My dream fills me with emotions I cannot hold within and I find myself waking in a wild sweat that leaves me shaking.

My teary eyes pan through the darkness of my cabin. With only the torch lights gently flickering outside to illuminate the room, I sit up, still shaking and breathing like I had just lived that dream. I looked around the room to see my brothers and sisters were still sleeping soundly. Unaware of the terror I just dreamt and it made me feel all the ever lonelier. I’m about to sob when I looked out the window to see cabin nine, Leo’s cabin.

How much I’d give to feel his warm arms around me right now, I was shaking badly and having a hard time to breathe. I needed it so much that I began to cry. As I choked back my empty sobs, I saw one of the patrolling dryads pass by my cabin. She circles around the structure as respectfully as she can, her bark-like skin is much more pliable than it looks when she uses it to lean over and check every crevice. With her inspection done, she moves on to the next while I watch her in deep thought.

“I can run for it.” I whispered while tracking her movements. “I can… go there really quick, I’m sure Leo wouldn’t mind. I-I’ll bring an offering to Hephaestus so he won’t be so angry… I…”

I sounded like I was crazy! Did I want to be turned into a shrub for a whole week? Dionysus would pick elderberries off my head for his own enjoyment and I don’t even want to know what kind of insects might crawl on my branches while I’m reconstructed. I held my arms tighter, I’ll go very quickly. No one would notice a thing. I’ll be back before dawn and none of the other Hephaestus campers would realize what happened.

Packing my bags as shakily as I can, I gripped the iron nugget I had taken from arts and crafts and climbed out of my window, falling ungracefully onto the floor below. I scurried to hide behind a tree before the dryad noticed me. I was done for. I am 100% a fried nugget and I’m going to be toast for a whole week! When I was sure the dryad didn’t notice my clumsy fall, I dipped behind some of the other buildings, being sure not to touch any of them in respect to the gods. 

I was now directly across from cabin nine and all that’s left is to run across the campfire to the open window leading into the cabin. Holding my breath, I spirited as fast as I could before tripping over a rock left behind during the sing along campfire and fell face flat next to Hestia’s hearth.

I scampered as fast as I could to regain my composure and when the dryad turned around to face me, the flames suddenly grew higher. Almost like the kind hearted Hestia was shielding my view from the century old dryad, rooting for me to finish my adventure. I thanked the Goddess and ran as fast as I could to the open window of Hephaestus’ cabin. I had to be quick, I placed the iron nugget at the base of the steps to speak a low prayer in reverence to the God Hephaestus, and without any time to hesitate I jumped into the window, pulling myself up and rolling into the cabin head first.

My head lands on the hard steel floor, rewarding a groan out of my throat as I wobble back to stand. I carefully took the time to adjust to the darkness in the cabin, before sneaking my way into the bunking area to look for Leo. All the Hephaestus kids were big and burly, it was only my love who sported a thin small frame. I used this knowledge to look everywhere I could for him. But... He wasn’t here? Not sure of what to think, I headed further into the cabin and found the furnace area. It still smelled of soot and sulphur, but I saw someone laying atop a sacked makeshift bed.

My eyes began to water and I knew immediately that it was my beloved.

I ran to his sleeping form, wrapping my arms around his shoulders before letting the first of my tears stain him. Crying into the hollow of his chest, all the fear I had bottled up earlier from my dream poured into his shirt. I was making a mess but I was too far broken to care about that. He didn’t need to wake up, this was all I needed to live. Regardless however, I felt him wake to me. He made a sound of confusion, but suddenly stroked my hair with his hand.

“Y/N? What… What are you doing here?” Leo asked, still confused and trying to sit up. I released him and he immediately looked outside to see what time it was. It was still night, a total violation of the rules and I knew if he wanted to send me away... I would go.

“I had a horrible dream. There was an earthquake and the floor opened up for Tartarus, and- and-”  I was crying but he came out to stroke my tears away. Pulling my shaking body into his. I hugged him again and cried like I had been struck with grief. He kissed my hair, rubbing the back of my shoulders to calm me down, laughing about how he smelled awful compared to me.

I returned the joke pathetically in an attempt to absorb the new aura I was feeling. I was in an awful state and as soon as I took as much strength I could from him, I felt embarrassed about my midnight rendezvous. I risked his safety for a dumb nightmare, I was acting selfish and this pulled me away from him.

“I’m sorry, Leo, I should get back to my cabin. I feel so much better now.” but he came back to pull me under him.

He kissed me over and over again. I felt overwhelmed but at the same time, I sensed him taking all my insecurities away with every press of his finely crafted lips. He wasn’t going to let me go feeling like I meant nothing to him, he wanted me to know he was worried and I drank it like nectar to my wounds.

“Pollita, you’re going to stay with me tonight. So let me make the sack a little more comfortable.” He laughed, moving away and pushing together a few more crates to make the “bed” bigger.

“Why are you sleeping on this? Don’t you have a bed?” I asked brushing my swollen freshly kissed-lips, watching him craft this strange cot. He looked up to smile at me, his grin making my ears red in wonder at his incredibly crafty ways.

“I do, but my siblings snore too loudly so I sleep over here instead.” He laughed, jumping onto the new bedding and giving me the most comfortable pillow.

I laid next to him and he kissed my forehead again. It caused me to giggle but when he kissed my eyes, I felt the sting of swelling my crying had done to them. I pressed against him and he wrapped his arms around me. Asking me to tell him the dream again so he can better understand it. I did… and I no longer felt scared this time.

“If you were to fall into Tartarus, I think I would jump in after you.” He spoke nonchalantly.

“No you wouldn’t!” It sounded almost like a threat when it came out of me, but I meant it to keep him from doing anything stupid. He paused for a second, thinking more about the scenario before he looked me directly in the eyes.

“I would jump into Tartarus after you.” He wasn’t joking and I wasn’t going to dispute it this time.

I kissed his lips again and listened to all the mechanics of the smelting room we were sleeping in. His voice vibrating the hollowness of his chest, it lulled me to sleep and I cradled against him in blissful happiness. I spent all night with him like this, lost in the regale of his upcoming projects and meticular designs. But when I woke the next morning… I wasn’t myself…. LITERALLY….

I was a chipmunk and Dionysus was leaning over me with a cage in his hands. I was going to stay this way for the rest of the week, but at least he let me stay in the Hephaestus cabin for the remainder of my curse-bound sentence. I got to watch Leo smelt and work on his many projects. He talked to me nearly every second of the day and would let me sit in his bag while participating in various events.

I consider this a blessing.

[barkboys]

Bark Boys Inc.

Our goal at Bark Boys Inc. is to provide our customers with a convenient and reliable way of getting their landscaping materials. Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable about our products and other landscaping information. We provide same-day delivery in most cases, and we have a drive-up window for fast service. Bark Boys Inc. is family owned and operated. Feel free to give us a call with any questions you have and ask about a free estimate for our blower service!

Landscape Supply

Since 1978, Bark Boys Inc has provided top-notch landscaping supplies for commercial and residential needs. Visit our store, see our selection of products, and join our long list of satisfied customers. We sell more than just bark. Our other products include:

Organic compost

Pea gravel

Round rock

Sawdust

Crushed rock

Woodchips

Hog fuel

Sand

Quarry rock

Soil Mix

Topsoil

Bark Nuggets

Black Dyed Fir

Local Landscape Store

At Bark Boys Inc., we are proud to provide the residents of Salem and Keizer with a reliable and sustainable choice for their landscaping needs. Our company works directly with the recycling program to stock organic compost made from recycled yard debris. Our sand comes from the Oregon Coast, and we get our bark fresh from the sawmill! Homeowners and business owners alike come to Bark Boys Inc. for local landscaping supplies.

Contact Us About Our Same-day delivery!

Address: 2840 Cherry Ave NE, Salem, OR 97301 Phone: (503) 378–7379 Website: https://barkboys.net/