The fiery glow of  Sweetspire (Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’) seems to raise the temperate around it by a few degrees, although that’s purely an illusion today! The two main groups of pigments that give autumn leaves their colors are: Carotenoids, which produce yellow, orange, and brown colors; and Anthocyanins, water-soluble substances which are produced when there are high levels of sugars in leaves or fruits under bright light conditions. Bright days and longer cooler nights, with adequate, but not excessive rainfall, are generally considered to be the catalysts for great fall leaf color.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a good, readable explanation of “Why Leaves Change Color” online, for all of us who have never tired of asking “why?” Whatever the color, do heed the good advice on this site and others to rake and compost fallen leaves. They also make an excellent mulch when left in place where they fall. Tiny micro-organisms will put them to good use replenishing the all-important organic content of the soil.

Posted by Ann McCulloh

Did you know that leaves and other yard waste make up almost 13% of the refuse in landfills? Why would you want to throw out your yard ‘waste’ when you could be putting those leaves and grass cuttings to work for you (and be more environmentally friendly)? Yes, you can leave leaves on your lawn as long as you use a mulching mower to break them up into tiny pieces. Or, why not compost them and your grass clippings to make a nice mulch for your soil beds the following season? Many perennials and woody shrubs benefit from a light leaf mulch over the winter. It protects them from the freezing temperatures when snowpack isn’t deep enough to do so. Why spend money on expensive mulch and fertilizers, when, with a little extra work, you can simply use nature’s mulch?

Posted by Cythina Druckenbrod