It may sound like madness, but it’s actually one of the sanest offers around–the City of Petaluma’s new Mulch Madness program.  This program, unveiled by the City’s Water Resources and Conservation Dept, will give you free mulch, compost, cardboard, an irrigation conversion kit (for single family homes) and a coupon for a local native plant nursery if you sheet mulch your lawn and turn it into a food garden (or any other type of low-water using garden.  The City will even come out to do a free Water-wise Housecall, and deliver all of your free stuff.  (Did I say it was free?).

Residential water customers can call (707) 778-4507 or click here for more information.  Commercial customers must call (707) 778-4507 to schedule a representative to perform a site evaluation.

I just learned about Mulch Madness yesterday from Dave Iribarne, the City’s Water Conservation Coordinator and, I suspect, the mastermind behind the program.  (Sidenote - Dave was a founding member of the City of Petaluma’s Green Team in 2006 and has been a tireless and creative proponent within the City for water conservation, green building, and a more sustainable community.)  It was clear from my conversation with Dave that, if you’ve been thinking about growing more of your own food, either for your own family or to donate to the Bounty Hunters program, this is the time to ditch your lawn and plant your crops.

For help getting your edible garden going, Petaluma Bounty’s Backyard Bounty program can do it for you, from a simple garden box to a full-scale landscape design.  Give Backyard Bounty a call at 775-3663, ext. 218 or email us at backyardbounty@petalumabounty.org for more information.