Leaves are Full of Potential
If you have visited recently, you many have noticed any one of the three native plant gardens on the Wright Library campus. These gardens are not only attractive, but also serve as homes and food sources to numerous insects, birds, and more.
As autumn settles in, we encourage you to "Leave the Leaves" in your own yards to promote many ecological benefits. That's not to say you should pack up your rake or leaf blower, but find a balance between keeping a tidy lawn and maintaining the natural benefits that comes from leaves, trees, and plants.
The Xeres Society has posted an article that outlines the benefits of "leaving the leaves" while also keeping lawns tidy:
Read the Xeres Society "Leave the Leaves" article >>
Leaving leaves provides essential habitat for overwintering wildlife, such as insects and amphibians, and enriches soil by returning organic matter and nutrients as it decomposes. Instead of bagging and discarding them, leaves can be mulched on lawns, raked into garden beds, or added to compost piles to support a healthy ecosystem and improve soil health.
For additional tips, or to learn more about the Native Plant Garden Initiative at Wright Library, visit our Wright Library Native Plant Garden Page.
Next time you visit Wright Library, take a walk on the grounds to enjoy the sun, shade, or book drop gardens and how they change each season. You will find interpretive signage and plant labels to help you on your own native plant journey.