Leaves, leaves, leaves

 

October 27, 2022

They're back.....everywhere. One of this season's and our most important assets.

Using leaves is working with nature to build healthy soil for your garden, flowers, shrubs and trees. One easy way is to mow and shred the leaves. A grass catcher on the mower makes this easy. Put the leaves directly on the soil in the garden and around plants. After a few inches, put the rest in the compost pile or bag them and use as mulch for spring garden. It enriches the soil with wonderful natural fertilizer.

Putting layers around plants or on the side of your yard also helps the many creatures like insects, lizards, snails, caterpillars and turtles who need this to overwinter. 96 percent of birds feed their young insects in the spring.

There has been a loss of more than half of our insects since 1970. And, there are 2.9 billion fewer birds since 1970 according to Audubon. They need insects to feed themselves and their young. Have you noticed there are not as many birds around your house? And fewer insects on your car windshield? And fewer butterflies visiting your flowers and yard?

We need insects for pollinating flowers and agricultural plants and trees. One way to help is by saving your leaves. If you just cannot stand to do this, putting the bagged leaves on the curb is gold for gardeners driving by.

It is a simple, thoughtful, caring thing to do.

 

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