North Shore, lots of rain, many big trees. Lawn and Beds need some GOOD soil. So. Last year got 50 bags of Boy Scouts Mushroom manure, which we spread over the winter. We also got dozens of bags of Garden blend mixture from the recycling people under the 2nd Narrows.(Fraser Richmond Soil & Fibre) None of these are what my wife would call 'good soil'- but is there any such thing in these parts? Thanks for any advise.
I use the soil products from fraser richmond (north shore site usually) all the time and I find it works well. if she wants a custom blended bulk soil you could call Stream Organics and see if they will make her a 'good' soil as per her specifications.
I've purchased 'good' soil from Aufiero Terra Landscaping, totally unscientific, based on good earth smell and texture. They're in South Burnaby and they have several different mixes to choose from.
Forgot to mention, you might want to look into City of Vancouver's compost which I'm told by my Vancouverite friends, is pretty good ! http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/solidwaste/grownatural/citycompost.htm
If you aren't trying to change the grade but rather just make plants grow better mulch with wood chips from an arborist. If one happens to be working nearby you may even be able to get these free. Be wary of adding layers of fine material (actual soil, with silt or clay in it) over roots of trees.
What is your goal, to add soil? Shade garden? Weed free landscaping? If the grade is minimal, overlay with shredded bark or mulch, interplant shade tolerant plants and create specific pathways to enjoy your greenscape and to facilitate access to the plantings without tramping down your surface medium. The odd rock/boulder adds texture and colour, groupings in threes or five look best.
I bought a truckload of GVRD (Greater Vancouver Regional District) compost 4 years ago. It's really economical - I remember paying $168 for 4 cubic yards (trust me - that's a lot of compost) which I split with my neighbour. But it was not fully composted - the temperature in the pile was a shearing 85 celcius. In the first trial of it's use, the 3 poor roses turned yellow - likely from nitrogen deficiency. In spite of the usual application of fertilisers. Which meant that I had to leave this hill of compost sitting in our front yard for the better part of 6 months before I could start using it liberally.
