🍀Clover Paths & Compost Gold: The Lazy Genius Way I Mulch My Garden Beds

 Let me tell you a story…

It all started with a wagon full of grass clippings. I had mowed the yard and tossed the clippings in there with every intention of dumping them in my compost pile. But, like most of my well-meaning intentions, I got busy... and forgot. Then it rained. Then I forgot again.

Next thing I know, I walk past the wagon and catch a whiff of what can only be described as fermented cow manure meets lawn smoothie. 🤢 And in that exact moment, I had a lightbulb moment:💡💡💡💡

“Wait... is this gross liquid actually good for the garden?” 🧏🏼‍♀️

Turns out? It kind of was.

From Forgotten Funk to Fertilizer Gold

That smelly wagon stew was actually a form of accidental compost tea. And while I wouldn't recommend dumping it straight onto delicate plants (trust me, it needs to be diluted), it was rich in nutrients—and I used it on my compost pile and around some tougher plants. Lazy win #1.

But here’s where things really took off.

🌾 Straw = Not My Best Friend

I had been buying straw bales to use as mulch in my garden beds, thinking I was being smart. Until one day, I looked around and noticed… a whole new garden was growing. Only I didn’t plant it.

Yep—my beds were now full of germinating straw seeds. Weeds I paid for. 😑

That was the moment I said, “No more.”.......

Enter: Clover & Controlled Wildness

I decided to lean into what I already had—my yard. I bought multiple 5-pound bag of clover seed and spread it through all the grassy areas and garden paths!!! Clover does everything I need:

• It fixes nitrogen, naturally feeding my soil

• Bees and pollinators love it

• It stays short, soft, and I don’t have to mow it

• It adds to the wild, beautiful vibe I want in my garden

So instead of trying to tame the whole yard, I’m letting the paths and borders grow wild and free, while keeping my garden beds neat, mulched, and intentional.

Drying My Own Mulch: Lazy Genius Style

Now when I mow (the clover or any other grass), I collect the clippings and lay them out on a tarp or old sheet in the sun to dry.

Here’s my simple method:

1. Mow + collect clippings

2. Spread them thin in a sunny spot

3. Stir them every day or two until crispy

4. Store them in breathable bins or bags

5. Use them as mulch around my plants (NOT too close to the stems!)

It’s free. It’s clean. And it won’t sprout a hayfield in my potato patch.

 Lazy win #2.

The Magic of Wild Paths + Tidy Beds

This balance—wild paths, intentional beds—feels like the best of both worlds. My garden is becoming a living metaphor:
Let the wild things grow where they belong, and nurture the space where your vision is taking root.

It's peaceful. It's beautiful. And most importantly—it's me.

🎥 Watch It Come to Life

I’ll be showing a quick walkthrough of this on my YouTube channel, Seasons of life so you can see the wagon, the clippings, the clover, and all the real-life garden magic (and mess) behind it.

Want to Try This Yourself?

Stay tuned—I'm adding a free printable with my lazy girl mulch recipe, drying guide, and how to make this system work for your garden too.

Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just a tired mama trying not to buy one more bale of straw, this method could save you time, money, and a whole lot of weedy frustration.

Because around here… we grow with purpose, love with ease, and mulch like a wildflower warrior 🌸