Soils & Compost 

Our Sustainable Materials

• Compost

  
  

  Rich in nutrients, our compost supports healthier plants, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and promotes sustainable gardening. We use it across the gardens to feed seasonal beds, turf, trees, and nursery plants.

  

  
  

• Acidic Compost

  
  

   

  Crafted for acid-loving plants, this compost provides ideal growing conditions with organic matter like pine needles and oak leaves, ensuring the right pH balance. Many native plants, such as the native rhododendrons and mountain laurels found in Peirce's Woods, require acidic soil to thrive. 

  
  

• Hardwood Mulch

  
  

  Made from shredded hardwoods like oak and maple, our mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and enhances the beauty of our garden beds. Aged through the winter, it adds a rich, natural finish. Find it around Longwood's trees, particularly in the allées of yellowwood trees atop our new Restaurant & Event Space in front of our existing Conservatory. 

  

  
  

• Wood Chips

  
  

  Perfect for reforestation projects and natural pathways, our wood chips retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and help control weeds. Blending function with nature to create spaces as inviting as they are environmentally friendly, find woodchips quietly supporting the beauty and health of our gardens while walking through our Beer Garden, Peirce's Park, and the Forest Walk. 

  

  
  

• Leaf Mulch

  
  

  As it decomposes, leaf mulch improves soil structure, enriches nutrients, and aids in weed suppression, moisture retention, and temperature regulation across our gardens. Applied multiple times each year in the garden beds on Flower Garden Walk, this mulch supports our vibrant displays of spring and summer blooms.