Not only did the house cats dig the all !00% natural and biodegradeable WBCL the day i first brought it home after sampling every other brand at the local supermarket, but I realized today that the stuff (basically cornmeal) also makes for great compost (after it's fully scooped, of course). Also checked this idea with the family master gardener back in California. It's so efficiently self clumping that there's even the smell is usally gone after a good scooping. Those crystal and perfumed formulas clearly don't seem to have a proper place in the garden, but hence forward, the week-old litter wont be contributing to landfill anywhere but the backyard in the flower boxes where it will help condition the soil. Just another reason to love the felines (when they aren't destroying furniture).

And speaking of love and gardens, The Friends of the Marion Street Garden are getting ready for spring. Their next garden work day for prepping the garden is on Valentine's Day, February 14, from 11am-1pm. Light snacks will be provided. For more information, contact Rebecca at Rebecca@CityBlossoms.org. RSVP's are encouraged.

And, this just in ...

Saturday, February 20, 2009
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
The Historical Society of Washington, 801 K Street NW
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged! Please call (202) 638-1649 during business hours to reserve your spot.

DC’s Field to Fork Network, the America the Beautiful Fund, dozens of local community organizations and members of DC’s urban gardening community for the third annual Rooting DC urban gardening forum. This day-long event – which includes panel discussions, workshops and talks - is free and open to the public. Grow your own food! Soil preparation, starting seeds, composting, container gardening in small spaces. Cooking demonstrations: preparing healthy & low-cost meals, making pickles, canning, raw foods. Info on ethnic specialty crops. local West African, Caribbean, Central American, & African-American agricultural specialists. Where do we get affordable fresh food? Farmers’ markets, co-ops, non-profit agencies, proposed regional distribution center, Roundtable discussions: Urban agriculture, affecting local policy change, Healthy Affordable Food for All. [ ¡Se ofrecerán algunas sesiones en español! Some sessions offered in Spanish! ]. Limited free childcare will be available for children ages 3-12 years. You MUST pre-register for childcare! Call 202-638-1649 to register in advance.