Learning to Let the Leaves Lie: A Garden's Gift to Nature

As the colours of autumn sweep across our gardens, a new movement is taking root at Haith’s – the #LearningToLetTheLeavesLie initiative. Inspired by a chat between Haith’s director Simon King and Martin Woods, former royal gardener, this campaign encourages leaving autumn leaves where they fall to support soil health and provide shelter for garden wildlife. 

A New Perspective on Leaf Maintenance

While the impulse to tidy is strong, there are many benefits to letting nature take its course. As Simon King, Director of Haith's, shares, "By letting leaves lie, we’re giving back to nature in a simple yet impactful way. I’m trying this approach in my own garden this year, thanks to Martin’s advice, and am curious to see the difference it makes.” 

The Benefits of Leaving Leaves: 

• Natural Nourishment: As leaves break down, they release essential nutrients back into the soil, naturally supporting plant health.
• Moisture Retention: A layer of leaves helps keep the soil hydrated, creating a protective blanket against weather extremes.
• Wildlife Support: Leaves offer winter shelter for insects, pollinators, and small animals, enriching the ecosystem in your garden. 

Martin Woods, with decades of experience caring for the Royal Gardens, advocates for this hands-off approach: "Letting the leaves lie isn’t just a time-saver; it’s a way of supporting the cycle of life in our own backyards.” 

A Global Movement for Nature

Across the world, land managers are embracing this eco-friendly method. Olive farmers in Andalusia, for instance, allow leaves to return to the soil, conserving moisture and enriching the earth. In France, vineyards are doing the same, building resilience in their fields. 

We Want to Hear from You!

As we start this journey, Haith's would love to hear from our community. What do you do with your leaves? Have you tried leaving them in your garden, or do you have another eco-friendly approach? Share your thoughts and photos with us on social media using #LearningToLetTheLeavesLie.

Together, let's make a positive impact on our gardens and our planet, one leaf at a time. 

Simon King will be sharing photos from his garden – he’ll be raking or blowing them into a suitable resting place and keeping an eye on the merits of letting those leaves lie.

Written by Simon King