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,...