Common Grounds

“I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.”

- Jennifer Yane

At the risk of sounding like one of those annoying co-workers you wish would get fired, may I just say: TGIF?

I sit here in a stupor this morning, thrilled at the prospect of a weekend without an alarm clock. I hug my coffee cup with two grateful hands, tentatively embrace reality, and contemplate setting fire to my to-do list. It's Friday. The stuff on that list should have been done long before now.

I've heard tell there are people in this world who begin their day without coffee. Legend has it some folks require no caffeine of any kind to feel all perky first thing in the a.m. I know not of these strange fools. Could be an urban myth.

Coffee is my magical morning potion and that should never change. It not only makes me civil. It also makes me smile.

Coffee makes my flowering friends pretty happy, too.

Leftover coffee grounds slowly release nitrogen into the soil as they degrade. They’re acidic, a blessing for Azaleas and other acid-loving plants who have the misfortune of living in my alkaline soil.

Strawberries love 'em. Hydrangeas go nuts. Roses and Evergreens perk up quite nicely. (I've never met a non-native flower who has a problem with being caffeinated.) Coffee grounds are also great at combating ant problems. If you live in the Desert Southwest you are likely plagued with this pestilence, same as me.

Oh! And, then there's the phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and copper in those leftover grounds. I suppose I could get into the nitty, gritty details of why that's so wonderful, but could we just say 'trust me' and leave it at that? After all, my coffee's getting cold.

* Used coffee grounds green up plants, improve soil conditions, and encourage rapid growth. Starbucks gives away their coffee grounds for free. Or, just give me a call. I've got plenty!

** PS! They can be very acidic. Best way is to compost them. If you're a composter, then you're aware of how you need a balance of 'browns and greens.' Coffee grounds are considered 'green.'