Protecting your perennials

Autumn leaves can be used to keep your perennials from dying off during the colder months

As the autumn approaches, we can make use of the soon-to-be-falling leaves by using them as great compost to protect our perennial plants. When leaves are gathered up and added to the flower bed, the breakdown of the leaf structure releases nutrients and minerals into the soil which will help your flowers survive the colder months.

By creating a small blanket over the top of your flower beds, you are also adding a layer of warmth to the soil bed, which will help protect the fragile plant roots and prevent any damage.

You can prepare by deheading your flowers and removing any annuals that remain in the flower bed. This should be done before adding any of the dead leaves. One the bed is prepared, evenly spread your autumnul leaves are the required area, if possible before the first frost hits your garden.

The leaf coverage should be around 3 to 4 inches, covering all of your perennials and protecting them during the colder months. This is also a good way to clear your yard or driveway, recycling any waste leaves in the process!