Fall is a fascinating season, a transition from the buzzing of summer to the stillness of winter. Temperatures drop, flowers fade and stems turn brown as plants go dormant. Even in dormancy, plants keep supporting life. Many insects take cover within plant stems during the winter and seeds on dead flowers provide food for birds. Even when dormant, plant stems and leaves help dissipate rainfall before it hits the ground, protecting the soil from erosion. 

Wherever possible, leave your dormant plants as they are. Wait to make any cuts until late spring after pollinators have emerged or simply let the plants grow on their own. In areas where you must cut stalks early for one reason or another, leave 8”-24” of the plant rather than cutting it all the way to the ground. Some cover is better than none. 

To build out habitat even more, leave your leaves on garden beds and anywhere they will not disrupt walkways. Leaves also provide important winter cover for pollinators and the soil. Leaves that must be raked up can be placed in compost piles, piled onto garden beds, or used as smothering material to kill off lawn or invasive plants and create space for future gardens. 

Although winter can seem lifeless at times, many pollinators are hidden in gardens and woodlands just out of sight. Taking passive steps like leaving dormant plants and fallen leaves can help ensure a bustling spring and summer season.