The result, if we want to get really geeky, is a mix of clay, pure sand and sandy loam.

It’s a sandy loam mixed with lightweight volcanic aggregate to provide the volume and moisture needed to support plant life while reducing the weight on the structure and allowing for easy drainage.

That’s because, contrary to the shibboleth, the good isn’t the enemy of the great—it’s the loam of the great.

Dalya, who lives two doors down, wanders by to share insights about cultivating shitakes on loam in a shady side yard.

Dobrynya dashed to where his sword lay in the loam beneath the tree.