Are you always trying to figure out what to do with all those leaves this fall?
Leaves are always pretty to look at in the Autumn. With all the gold and red colors basking in the warm sun. Then we realize summer is fading away. They turn brown and fall to the ground. We spend hours raking them up on a tarp and putting them in the back of the yard, in a spot where no peering neighbors can see them. Before you * take care* of those piles let those kids and pets enjoy them. You know we all love to see a pup play in them and a good pile of leaves for the kiddos to jump in.
Shredded leaves by mowing over them is an easy compost. It can provide good winter cover for perennials and bulbs as these plants can easily push through this mulch in the spring. Pine needles function best as winter cover for ornamental beds and shrubs. I personally use pine needles to cover my Dahlia tubers in the winter. So far they have come back strong every year.
Think of the leaf raking as protection for your beautiful flowers in the spring. It's also a great way to get rid of those leaf piles. Take pride in your gardens and they will reward you with delicious beauty.
