Mulching ericaceous pants?

Morning! I've just repotted a dwarf rhody with lime free compost etc. Looking at all that bare surface I know its going to be a weed jungle in no time. I've got some spare horticultural grit here which could go on but is it made of lime stuff which will wash into the compost and upset the plant??

B

 

I used to mulch my acid loving plants with rotting pine needles (think leaf mould but with pine needles)...they seemed to thrive on it :thumb:

Problem is getting hold of some; at the time I had access to a pine woodland at a fishery where I worked, so got as much as I needed..

Not sure if anyone sells it commercially or if you can get access to a pine woodland or even below a mature pine tree somewhere..

 

Ah, very good tip. I live in north wales so I should be able to find a pine forest somewhere around here...

B

 

'Mulching ericaceous pants'

Pnawn da, Mrs B. Lucky you, living in North Wales! Pine needles seem like a good idea for your plants.

Er ... I wouldn't put them in your pants, however .