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Once more my local public library gave me a treasure. Like many other titles, I had heard about this book in online discussions, but I had never managed to find a physical copy – so this translated publication from a small house was truly a Godsend.

The King of Elfland’s Daughter is a 1924 high fantasy novel by the English author Lord Dunsany (or, to give his full government name, Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett, 18th Baron Dunsany). Dunsany played an important role in the development of fantasy as we know it, and inspired many future authors, from H.P. Lovecraft and J.R.R. Tolkien to Ursula K. LeGuin.

Our story begins in the fictional country of Erl (which, from clues in the narrative, seems to be located in England, but a fictionalized version of it). One day, the parliament of Erl approaches their King, Alveric, asking him to fulfill the old traditions of the realm, and bring it a magical sovereign. So, Alveric begins a quest to find Elfland, and finally marries the titular daughter of the Elf King, Princess Lirazel, soon bringing into the world the magical heir his people wanted.

Despite what it may sound like, this is only the first part of the story. The narrative moves quickly through the years, as we see how the people of Erl, as well as its ruling elite, fares in the coming age. Many things change throughout the years, and many characters see their fates change dramatically, something that culminates in a grand finale, suiting for a classical fairytale.

I can see how this book inspired so many other creators throughout the years. It is basically the archetypal fairytale you see in movies or series, or parodied in other books. Like, If someone asked me to describe a stereotypical, Western-style fairy story, this book is basically what it is. The writing style is old-fashioned, similar to a medieval chronicle, as we go through the story of Erl and its inhabitants. Basically, all the traditional fairy creatures, from elves and dwarves to unicorns and witches make an appearance, one way or the other.

We also see, the changing attitudes of the characters, as the story progresses: although the parliament of Erl is at first eager to see their country transformed by magic, and ridicule the Freer, a Christian cleric who warns them against it, they finally turn around and, terrified by the magical power they wished for, congregate around the holy man for protection. Many other men, who follow King Alveric in his quest, also change their personalities as the journey goes one, some for better, and others, for worse.

If you aren’t used to that style of writing, which is clearly more about the story than the characters and their actions, you may find this book overwhelming, or boring. But I urge you to give it a chance, If not only in order to experience an older piece of fantasy, that inspired works like The Hobbit and The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath. The book is in the public domain, and can be found quite easily.

Once more my local public library gave me a treasure. Like many other titles, I had heard about this book in online discussions, but I had never managed to find a physical copy – so this translated publication from a small house was truly a Godsend.

The King of Elfland’s Daughter is a 1924 high fantasy novel by the English author Lord Dunsany (or, to give his full government name, Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett, 18th Baron Dunsany). Dunsany played an important role in the development of fantasy as we know it, and inspired many future authors, from H.P. Lovecraft and J.R.R. Tolkien to Ursula K. LeGuin.

Our story begins in the fictional country of Erl (which, from clues in the narrative, seems to be located in England, but a fictionalized version of it). One day, the parliament of Erl approaches their King, Alveric, asking him to fulfill the old traditions of the realm, and bring it a magical sovereign. So, Alveric begins a quest to find Elfland, and finally marries the titular daughter of the Elf King, Princess Lirazel, soon bringing into the world the magical heir his people wanted.

Despite what it may sound like, this is only the first part of the story. The narrative moves quickly through the years, as we see how the people of Erl, as well as its ruling elite, fares in the coming age. Many things change throughout the years, and many characters see their fates change dramatically, something that culminates in a grand finale, suiting for a classical fairytale.

I can see how this book inspired so many other creators throughout the years. It is basically the archetypal fairytale you see in movies or series, or parodied in other books. Like, If someone asked me to describe a stereotypical, Western-style fairy story, this book is basically what it is. The writing style is old-fashioned, similar to a medieval chronicle, as we go through the story of Erl and its inhabitants. Basically, all the traditional fairy creatures, from elves and dwarves to unicorns and witches make an appearance, one way or the other.

We also see, the changing attitudes of the characters, as the story progresses: although the parliament of Erl is at first eager to see their country transformed by magic, and ridicule the Freer, a Christian cleric who warns them against it, they finally turn around and, terrified by the magical power they wished for, congregate around the holy man for protection. Many other men, who follow King Alveric in his quest, also change their personalities as the journey goes on, some for better, and others, for worse.

If you aren’t used to that style of writing, which is clearly more about the story than the characters and their actions, you may find this book overwhelming, or boring. But I urge you to give it a chance, If not only in order to experience an older piece of fantasy, that inspired works like The Hobbit and The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath. The book is in the public domain, and can be found quite easily.

Yesterday I watched Guillermo del Toro’s mini-series Cabinet of Curiosities, which dedicates two episodes to adapt two Lovecraft stories, Pickman’s Model and Dreams in the Witch House.

These aren’t really completely faithful adaptations – they expand the stories a lot, adding new characters and scenes, and, I must say, they are quite shocking and gory for someone who may not be used to horror. Not sure what HPL would make of them, honestly. For the most part though, they maintain the spirit of the original stories.

The series is generally awesome, and short, just 8 eps long, so I recommend it.

Composting isn’t as hard (or as messy) as it’s often believed to be. In fact, composting at home can be simple, fun and rewarding. This text will show you how to make compost at home – from choosing the right bin through to feeding your garden.

How To Make Compost At Home

Composting is the natural recycling of organic waste. It breaks down anything that was recently living (like leaves, food scraps or twigs) and turns it into nutrient-rich fertilizer to improve the quality of your soil and plants.

There are a few steps involved when starting composting – including choosing a method, knowing what to compost and compost bin maintenance.

Let’s dig in.

Choose a Home Composting Method

You should choose a home composting method that suits you best.

Backyard Composting

As the name suggests, this method uses a traditional compost bin or container in your backyard. This method will create a natural decomposition process, breaking down your food and garden waste.

A Backyard Compost Is Good For:

·      Large families or households that create a lot of organic waste

·      Large backyards, allowing you to place your compost bin away from your house

Vermicomposting (Worm Farm)

 

This method uses specific worms to break down organic matter and produce valuable worm excrete castings. Just place your organic waste in the vermicompost bin and watch your worms eat their way through it!

A Vermicompost Is Good For:

·      Those with small backyards or spaces

·      Those who have a moderate amount of organic waste

·      Those who are time-poor (the worms do a lot of the work for you!)

Bokashi Composting

A popular compost option for apartments, bokashi is a Japanese word meaning ‘fermented organic matter.’ Food waste is sealed and fermented with a special mix of bacteria and yeast (often called bokashi bran), which breaks down the organic matter.

A Bokashi Compost Is Good For:

·      Apartments and townhouses

·      Those with no or a small amount of garden waste

·      Those who are willing to buy bokashi bran

Subpod Composting

A type of vermicomposting, the Subpod is an in-ground compost bin that can create a self-fertilising garden bed!

A Subpod Compost Is Good For:

·      Apartments with balconies and townhouses – you can hide it in your garden bed!

·      Time-poor composters – the Subpod self-fertilises.

 

 

What’s The Best Way To Start Composting? 3 Things to Consider

To work out the most suitable composting method for your needs (backyard, vermicompost or bokashi) you can consider the following factors.

Amount of organic waste

Every household is different. For example, a large family with a lot of organic waste may have different composting needs than a single apartment dweller. If you produce a small amount of kitchen waste, you might consider bokashi composting due to its minimal space requirements. Otherwise, if your household generates a significant amount of waste, a large backyard compost bin could be a better fit.

Available space

Evaluate the space you’re in. If you live in an apartment or townhouse with minimal space, you might choose the space-saving bokashi method or Subpod compost. Otherwise, if you have a large backyard with lots of space, you might opt for the traditional backyard compost or vermicompost.

Time commitment

How much time can you dedicate to composting? A worm farm or Subpod (vermicompost) is an excellent choice if you’re busy, as worms do a lot of the work for you! Backyard composting can allow for a lot of food waste, but it can be more time-consuming as you often need to turn your compost and keep it moist. Bokashi composting is straightforward, however you’ll need to commit to ordering bokashi bran and regularly emptying your bin in an appropriate place (usually in the ground or in a composting system).

 

Know What To Compost

Your compost bin should be a healthy balance of ‘greens’ (nitrogen-rich materials like fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds and grass clippings) with ‘browns’ (carbon-rich materials like leaves, twigs and shredded paper). Aim for two parts brown and one part green.

What Can You Compost?

·      Fruit

·      Vegetables

·      Leaves

·      Grass trimmings

·      Eggshells

·      Tea bags (provided they’re not plastic)

·      Hair

·      Coffee grounds

·      Paper

·      Wood chips

·      Cardboard

·      Certified home compostable packaging, like brown paper lunch bags, coffee cups, bowls and cutlery (always look for the correct home compostable certification – learn more about the certification here)

What Can’t You Compost?

·      Fossil-based plastic

·      String

·      Aluminium foil

·      Dryer and washing machine lint

·      Dust from the vacuum cleaner

·      Large twigs and branches

·      Pet droppings

·      Wax paper and cardboard

·      Animal and meat products*

*Animal and meat products can be composted, but it’s not always recommended as it may attract pests.

How To Make Compost – Setting Up Your Backyard Compost Bin

·      Select a spot

Choose a well-drained, sunny or partially sunny spot in your backyard – ideally away from your house and close to your garden. Note: the sunnier the spot, the more often you may need to water it.

·      Layer your material

Once you know what to compost (and what not to compost), start to layer your brown and green materials. Start with a layer of brown material (like twigs or potting mix). This will provide good aeration and drainage.

·      Maintain balance

Keep a good balance of brown and green materials. Try to aim for two parts brown material to one part green material.

·      Rotation

Rotate your backyard compost bin every few weeks to blend the moisture, speed up decomposition, and keep it aerated.

·      Moisture

Monitor the moisture of your compost. It should be damp but not soggy.

·      You’ve got black gold

Within 2 – 6 months, your black gold will be ready to distribute in your garden.

How To Make Compost – Setting Up Your Vermicompost

·      Choose your bin

Vermicompost can come in all different shapes and sizes. The one you choose will depend on the size of your area and the amount of organic waste you produce.

·      Create a base layer

Add a base layer of ‘bedding material’ like shredded paper, cardboard or straw.

·      Add worms

There are two main types of worms added to a vermicompost: Eisenia foetida and lumbricus rubellis. You can usually buy them from your local gardening store.  Add these worms to their new home. The best bit? They will reproduce to fill the space they’re in.

·      Feed worms

Start placing your kitchen or garden waste on top of the bedding so the worms can start doing their thing!

·      Monitor

Cover your bin and keep an eye on it. You can cover your vermicompost with a damp cloth if you need to increase the moisture levels.

·      You’ve got worm castings

Worm castings are essential worm manure, a nutrient-rich fertiliser ready to add to your garden! You can also add the ‘worm wee’ to your garden, which is the excess liquid drained from a worm farm environment.

 

How To Make Compost – Setting Up Your Subpod

·      Choose a spot for your Subpod

The Subpod is an in-ground compost bin, so you can bury it straight into your garden bed.

·      Add your waste

Add your kitchen, garden and organic waste into your Subpod.

·      Turn your compost

You can use the compost aerator (included in the Subpod) to mix your waste.

·      Worms and microorganisms get to work

They start to break down the waste and turn it into nutrient-rich compost

·      Directly feed your garden

The Subpod can directly enrich the surrounding soil and plants.

 

Finally, Add ‘Black Gold’ to Your Garden

Your compost is ready when it’s a dark, rich brown colour and crumbles easily. The time to create compost will depend on the type of composting method you use.

Add it to your garden to bring vital nutrients and moisture to your soil and plants – watch your garden thrive.

 

Composting at Home Frequently Asked Questions

How long does compost take to make?

 

The time it takes to make compost depends on the method you use. A backyard compost can take anywhere between 2 – 6 months, a vermicompost can take 6 – 8 weeks to produce nutrient-rich worm castings, and a bokashi compost can take as little as 2 weeks.

 

How much space do you need to make compost?

One great thing about composting is that there are different options depending on how much space you have. If you live in an apartment or townhouse, a bokashi compost can be small enough to fit in your kitchen, or you can place a Subpod in a balcony garden bed! If you have a lot of space, you can choose a backyard tumbler.

 

How long for worms to make compost?

If you’re using the vermicompost method, it usually takes between 6 – 8 weeks to produce nutrient-rich worm castings.

 

How to make a mini compost?

If you’re interested in making a mini compost, the bokashi or Subpod method is for you. In the bokashi method, food waste is sealed and fermented with a special mix of bacteria and yeast (often called bokashi bran), which breaks down the organic matter. The Subpod compost bin method is an in-ground compost bin, so your garden bed can self-fertilise!