Leaf fall ..

27 October 2024

Leaf fall.

My own ‘Forth Road Bridge…’

The leaves of our deciduous garden trees are yellowing.

Sycamore. Silver birch. European larch. Beech. All in the process of abscission.

Spent leaves play a huge part in the natural systems of woodland as well as being a treat to scrunch through. As gardeners we’ve always prized leaves and stored them to use a wonderful soil conditioner. Our use of leaves encourages soil fungi.

My ‘Forth Road Bridge’ is our drive. We welcome leaves on the grass and beds but leaves make a squelchy mess in the drive gravel. No sooner have I cleared leaves than more flutter down to take their place.

You’ll find me clearing leaves several times of the week at this time of year.

I clear leaves onto the soil where they will make a splendid mulch ideal for fungi, invertebrates, mammals and foraging birds and then nourish spring bulbs and shrubs.