Still lots of leaves falling and I let them stay where they fall. Any leaves raked up from the sidewalks go onto the garden to cover all the plants I’ve chopped and dropped. Why? Because all the insects and other invertebrates I created habitat for in the garden also need a cozy place to overwinter. The vast majority spend winter where they spent the summer, just nestled a little further down. They rely on fallen leaves and organic debris to insulate them from the elements.
Making space for them in the winter is the natural progression of making space for them in our summer gardens.
I’ve always gardened some for me and some for the animal world. I think the balance has tipped more toward the animal world as time has gone on. It really feels meaningful to create a home for them. And it’s so easy to do when you mostly just let nature take it’s course.
Below are pictures I’ve taken on walks through the neighborhood lately. Strolling and admiring the changing of the seasons.
