Embracing Fall’s Natural Cycle in the Garden

Fall often ushers in a whirlwind of activity. As we move from the long, leisurely days of summer into shorter periods of daylight, our schedules become increasingly packed. Children return to school, filling late afternoons with homework and extracurricular activities. The holidays approach in rapid succession, and work deadlines pile up as the end of the year draws near.

Amidst this busy season, our neighborhoods are filled with the sounds of leaf blowers and gas mowers as many tackle the seemingly endless task of leaf cleanup. Yet, there’s a gentler approach. While a tidy yard is undeniably appealing—and it can be tempting to clear away dried stems and fallen leaves for the sake of neatness—growing knowledge about Earth’s health and year-round gardening encourages a different perspective. Over time, resisting the urge to over-clean and instead leaving as much organic matter as possible in the garden has proven beneficial.

Benefits of Leaving Leaves in the Garden

Allowing leaves, stems, and seed pods to remain in your yard offers multiple advantages. These natural materials support native insects and animals during the coldest months by supplying essential food, shelter, and insulation. A blanket of dried leaves over perennial roots shields them from winter’s harshest temperatures, often resulting in earlier spring growth. The same leaf layer insulates the soil, providing a haven for insects that burrow underground to overwinter. Other creatures, such as caterpillars and beetles, use individual leaves as protective sleeping bags, while some moths lay eggs in curled leaves, preparing for springtime hatching. Removing all the leaves from our surroundings deprives these small inhabitants of safe winter refuge.

Practical Ways to Manage Leaves

An effective way to manage fallen leaves is to rake or blow most of them into garden beds or around tree bases. A layer of three to four inches of dried leaves is sufficient and will not harm your plants. Even on properties with extensive gardens, this space can be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of leaves depending on your tree cover. To address this, consider two strategies: First, designate a more natural area, such as a line of trees, shrubs along a fence, or meadow area where leaves can be piled without concern for depth. Each year, these leaves naturally decompose, enriching the soil without extra effort. If such an area isn’t available, leaves can be saved to create what gardeners fondly call “Black Gold.”

Creating “Black Gold”

“Black Gold” refers to the rich, earthy layer found in forests, made as leaves break down naturally. To replicate this at home, gardeners often construct simple corrals from wood or wire fencing to stack leaves. These can be easily hidden behind shrubs or a shed if aesthetics are a concern. Over nine to twelve months, the leaves decompose into a nutrient-rich, black compost known as leaf mold. This material can then be spread directly into garden beds or planters, enhancing the soil and supporting future plant growth.