Did you know that one of the most valuable things you can do to support  pollinators is provide them with winter cover? And even better, you can “leave” it to nature!

If you happen to pass by our Pollinator Garden with The Birchcliff Butterflyway Project, you’ll notice that it’s that time of year and it’s pretty much our “fallen leaves” garden right now.

Our lovely new signs ask you to leave the leaves, so that pollinators can use leaf litter for winter cover.

They protect themselves from the cold weather and even predators by tucking themselves into the piles of leaves. So avoid raking, mowing or blowing your leaves away and just “leaf it be”.

One works hard on their garden during the warm months. We grow flowers, grass and perennials, attracting busy bees and beautiful butterflies. Don’t let it go to waste because we’re used to leaves being thrown out. Save the pollinators!

Side Note: There won’t be any harmful impact if you have newly planted perennials, thanks to a thick layer of leaves that provide more insulation for their tender roots when the weather gets frosty.

A thank you to our our Birchcliff Butterflyway volunteers for the advice and pictures!