Monday 15 December 2014

What do You Do With Autumn Fallen Leaves?.

Fallen leaves

We have several trees that shed their leaves in late Autumn. 



We get a beautiful carpet of glorious golds, bronzes, reds and bronze on the grass and gravel. It's gorgeous...


It is so lovely it is tempting to leave it there but for some at least we have a good use for it. 


We used to just rake them all up and put in the bin for the council to take away. However, we have since discovered a few better uses in our own garden to help us and the wildlife. 
 

We take some of the leaves and use them to cover our little wild mammal shelter. It is really just a collection of logs and sticks leftover from prunings in a corner of the garden but I like to think it gives some shelter from the wind and cold and rain for the little mammals and the hedgehogs if we are lucky. So the leaves go on top for some added warmth. We add a few more sticks on top of that to keep them somewhat in place.


OK, some of the leaves we put in the borders. There they provide a little shelter for tiny creatures in the winter. Of course, usually blackbirds come along and as is their way ruck up the leaves to find dinner beneath so the leaves benefit them too.


We also leave piles of leaves in corners so that if any creature wishes to use them as bedding or a warm place they have some available.  



Autumn Fall Leaves




Finally to us. We scoop up all the remaining leaves and bag them up in strong garden bags and seal them securely. Then pick a few holes in the sides and bottom of the bag for air circulation. If the leaves are dry we add water just with the hosepipe or watering can before sealing up. 


Then we put them somewhere out of the way and simply leave them. The idea is that the leaves will rot down and by next year will be lovely useable leaf mould. 


This saves us money and puts the leaves to good use all over the garden, some for the wildlife and some for us. Not at all bad for an hour's work and a totally free resource given very year by nature.


In addition, if you have children or grandchildren it is wonderful to collect the autumn leaves and use them to teach kids about the different leaf shapes and colours and types of trees. 


As a child, I used to run in the leaves then collect them to press and learn about trees. It was so much fun!  



If you love the colours of autumn you may enjoy these items below.


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What do you do with your garden leaves? If you have any other uses do let us know


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