Composting Leaves - Mulching

By the time all the leaves have fallen, nearly 10 piles just like this will be raked from the backyard.

Before you service and put your lawn mower away for the winter, use it as a mulcher for that huge pile of leaves.

Be sure not to have the wheels set at the lowest level. Mid range is best, so that you don't lift stones and or larger branches that may damage the blades. We removed the clipping catch bag. This way the leaves are forced to cycle around the blade dome - mulching far more quickly. But if you prefer to use the bag attachment, just mow the lawn with the leaves.

Raising the back end and the front end whilst hovering over the pile really helps to break down the debris faster and won't overburden the motor.

Three passes and that pile is nearly gone.

This is worth gold to me. Pure carbon and an insulating winter blanket for the red-wigglers in the compost bin. Mulching the leaves this way helps to accelerate the breakdown their matter. Making compost quicker. It also leaves less air pockets, which means more room for more leafy mass.

As the growing season went on, we generously removed finished compost for the garden. Now it's near empty.

One leafy layer, now ready for a wet green layer (grass clippings).  Reserving some of the ready compost on the side, we will top dress the mulched leaves with it before putting the compost to bed. Hope our red-wigglers will be happy - toasty warm.

If you can, reserve a bushel or two of leaf mulch for evergreen hedges like this white cedar hedge. The chopped up leaves help insulate the roots and prevent weeds come spring.

Looking Forward, Looking Back

Even though this winter has been harsh, I am grateful for it. Looking back, I see the beauty in seasonal change. Winter's bleakness brings forth renewal come spring. Looking at these photos in succession really help to balance the change and the need for the seasons. For without the winter, spring would never reveal such beauty and vibrant colour! It helps me cope with the upcoming forecasted 10cm snow fall we are expecting in the next few days. Ugh!

Yet, the few degrees milder weather today, makes me anxious to get my garden plans ready for spring.  In the autumn I planted several shades of Crocus chrysanthus, or known as Snow Crocus (early flowering variety). I can hardly wait to see how they'll bloom in spring. Given this harsh winter, I hope they will fair alright.

Ok, start planning...what to do next spring....

Autumn Clean Up - To Cut Back Or Not

Having worked tending gardens for a while now, I still ponder the pros and cons of a thorough Autumn clean-up.  I sit on the fence regarding this. So does my backyard for now.

Viewing my townhouse garden yesterday, I noticed, I was the ONLY one (within my block of units) that hadn't removed nearly every leaf fallen to the ground. I can't help but worry about this - no seed heads for birds, no winter textural interest. I pride myself when a bird perches on a Rudbeckia or Echinacea seed head.

Having a Gleditsia (Honey Locust) shading much of my garden, I get a lot of tiny leaf litter everywhere. Most of it I compost, but not all of it.

I have colleagues, friends and complete strangers asking me what my opinion is regarding cutting back perennials. Cleaning up beds for the last time before winter yesterday, I had a member of the public stop and ask what to cut back. The conversation ended up being quite lengthy and we both ended it with laughter and a further appreciation of gardening.

Looking over the fence, my tidy neighbours have done a great job winterizing their garden.

The other neighbour has removed every leaf and perennial bit possible. (So grateful for tidy neighbours!) I look like the mess maker.

Personally, I have seen the benefits of perennial leafy matter dying and creating a litter layer that insulates plants. Yet I am reminded of the pain in seeing grasses and plants like Perovskia having been weighed down by winds and snow, eventually blowing over snowy areas of the garden and litter walkways..etc. It looks unsightly and ends up becoming more work in the spring. On the other hand, leafy matter like Hosta leaves whither and make a mushy layer that slugs adore. Slug prevention is key to having healthy, hole free foliage.

So here, instead - I've made a list of perennials I would cut back and others I would leave.

Cut Back:
Hostas
Hemerocallis
Iris
Perovskia
Airy, loose Grasses
Aquilegia
Polygonatum
Penstemon
(or any plant that seeds itself everywhere, or goes mushy and unsightly)

Leave Alone:
Rudbeckia
Upright Grasses
Evergreen Grasses
Echinacea
Liatris
Astible
Artemisia
Helleborus 
Heuchera
Tiarella
Sedum
Ground Covers like: Vinca, Hedera, Lamium...
(or any sturdy plant that has evergreen foliage, or growth that remains upright and can withstand snow)

Before and after. My compromise. I've left anything that still looks alright. Hard to believe it's a month away til Christmas!

I can't imagine removing any perennial that still looks this good.

Perennial fall colours are key to keep interest. A little leaf litter will compost down by April.

The best advice I can give when it comes to fall clean up, is not cutting back everything. Decide first:

• What plants require litter layer so they can properly overwinter. 

• If you don't know which plants die back to mush, wait til heavy frosts wilt down foliage.

• Clean up now anything that looks like it may be too much work to do in the spring. 

• Determine what may cause insect problems next summer. 

• Leave any plant that gives you interest overwinter. Think of birds, and textures you would like to see in the bleakness of February. 

* Yet, do remember: cutting back perennials in autumn can make you forget where they are come spring. If necessary divisions or renovations of the beds are planned for spring, leaving evidence behind can make life easier for you come job time.

Sad time of year...but at least I can enjoy what's left.

A Grateful Gardener

Even though the gardening season is coming to an end; in reflection of this Thanks Giving season, there are plenty of things a gardener should be grateful for this time of year.

1. Critters and beneficial insects that help break down litter and organic matter for great compost come spring.

2. Leafy matter, filled with nutrient rich materials - receiving it for FREE! With a little effort, we can reclaim it for beneficial use in the garden!

3. Late season flowering. Reminds me of abundant life - even in harsh conditions!

4. Fruit of Harvest: Many colours, textures, foods for us and wildlife - not to mention winter interest.

5. Colourful Fall Foliage. Just when you think the plant has given its all... A display of fall colour finishes up the growing season with a spectacular show.

Autumn Chrysanthemum Show at Centennial Greenhouse

What are you thankful for?  Wishing everyone a blessed Thanks Giving season! xo