Autumn Gardens
My message is to GO WILD says Caroline
from BIOGROW
The most important function of autumn is that nature gives
back to the earth what she has taken in the growing season
that has just passed. The leaves and fruit that are dropped
are a way of returning these to the earth to feed the
micro-organisms that exist in the soil from which the plant
grows.
These micro-organisms convert the organic matter back into
the elements that the plant requires to produce and maintain
health in the season to come.
This is how nature works on the undisturbed forest floor. It
is the ultimate recycling process in existence, on which all
life depends. The leaves convert sunlight during the growing
season and release it in the form of energy into the soil
for the plant to use again.... talk about spreading the
sunshine!
So... I would beg people to try to control their impulse to
be too neat in their gardens as autumn comes around. The
leaves that drop should only be swept up if they are going
to be put into compost heaps / bins, but preferably people
should leave an area of fallen leaves undisturbed in a damp,
shady corner of the garden - frogs, toads, newts and slug
eating centipedes thrive on decay. An old dead branch or
piece of wood left lying at the back of a flower bed will
also provide a habitat for loads of bugs, beetles and worms
that will keep your soil healthy, and will provide a place
for hungry birds to scratch around. Put off the autumn
cutback of perennials until early spring. Wildlife love the
seedheads and hiding places and you will benefit from their
beauty. Take a clay pot, fill it with leaves, straw and a
little cotton wool and place it upside down in a sheltered
spot. A bumblebee might find it a cosy place to overwinter
and take up residence.
Plant shrubs and trees that provide berries and nesting
sites for birds and other wildlife.
BIOGROW have THERMO-COMPOSTERS back in stock. These neat
kits consist of 4 panels that clip together to form a double
insulated bin (with top and bottom flaps) that will assist
you in making compost quickly and effectively. They are
available from BIOGROW directly. Phone 028 313 2054.
BIOGROW - Natural Organic Solutions
P/Bag X15, Suite 116, Hermanus, 7200
Phone 028 313 2054
Fax 028 313 2084
[email protected]
www.biogrow.co.za
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