Do you clean up your garden in autumn? Years ago I had a conversation with a gardener in Saskatchewan (gardening there is a challenge!), and she always left her garden untidy in the autumn as it helps to protect the plants. I found this article on Houzz this morning with several reasons NOT to clean up your garden in autumn, and in my gardening experience they are all viable excuses: 1) its cold out there now, or will be soon, not to mention wet; 2) Wildlife is hibernating in our gardens, frogs and toads, chrysalis of butterflies, flying mantis, etc. all welcome denizens of our gardens. If we cut back and remove the plant litter, they will die; 3) standing plants will collect snow, which acts as mulch and protects the plants; 4) frost and snow on the plants is beautiful!; 5) seed eaters will eat the seeds on the dead flowers. Brown eyed susans are loaded with seeds, and the Tree Sparrows love them; 6) fermented berries and crabapples attract many birds; 7) some plants are beautiful even when dormant; and 8) some of the plant material will rot before Spring, contributing to a healthier soil. So we can relax, guilt free, and dream of Spring!
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 10:19:34 +0000
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