“…The signs of fall are all around us. Leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs are changing colours and starting to fall. Late blooming plants like asters and goldenrods are on display while others are going to seed. And, while the last of the monarchs are travelling from southern Ontario to their Mexican wintering grounds and other animals are starting to slow down before winter, your garden still has an important role to play for wildlife.

Fallen leaves and small twigs, standing stems, and even snags (standing dead trees), rotting logs and rock piles all create crucial overwintering habitat for a variety of animals — from bees, butterflies and moths to salamanders, chipmunks and toads. So, while it might be tempting to rake up the leaves, cut down stems and otherwise tidy up your yard, consider the benefits of a “messy” habitat-filled garden...

While the benefits of forgoing yard cleanup in the fall (and spring!) are being embraced and shared more widely by a diversity of organizations, not everyone is convinced yet. Worried about what your neighbours will say? Follow these tips for pursuing your habitat creation goals without ruffling metaphorical feathers.

Now that you’ve reclaimed time by not tidying up your garden, you can spend it doing some fun things like collecting seeds to share with nearby family and friends!…”

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