10/11/2024
Relevant information from Midwest Natives Nursery once again as we head into fall.......
As the last of the Autumn flowers begin to fade and with the first few nights of near-frost temperatures looking very likely for most of the area as we head into early next week, you may be tempted to spend the upcoming warm weekend doing some Fall clean-up amongst your perennial gardens. While a little pruning of taller plants for aesthetic purposes is okay, we urge you to let as many dry leaves and flowers fall to the ground and as many dead stems stand intact over the Winter as possible.
Spent plant material is essential in providing native insects and wildlife food and shelter during the cold Winter months. Leaves and flowers left on the ground create a layer of warmth and safety that many species will hibernate within, seeds are a vital food source for overwintering birds and small mammals, and this year’s dried stems will play a major role next Spring and Summer when solitary bees utilize them for laying their eggs and raising the next generation of pollinators. And if you followed this protocol last year, there are likely insects preparing to hibernate inside those respective stems right now!
Leaving these materials will not inhibit future plant growth and actually helps to better protect your investment from harsh conditions during the Winter while providing lasting benefits and improving long-term health. Dead stalks left whole this Fall prevent water from tricking down into a plant’s root crown which can freeze and damage it, reducing resiliency and compromising it’s lifespan or survival. Over the Winter, fallen leaves work to store moisture and retain heat, keeping your plants’ roots insulated and guarded against extreme cold temperatures. In the Spring, native plants have no trouble growing up through this layer which will quickly break down over the Summer, returning many valuable nutrients to your soil. And lastly, the old canes will act as natural support for rapid new Spring growth, helping to reduce flopping and lessen the need for heavy pruning or extra maintenance throughout the next growing season.
Remember, feeding insects all Summer is moot if we take away their habitat in the Winter, so please make it a point to !
