Message from our President
In summer, the days are just too long, too much sunshine! This year’s heat was remarkable. Give me the tender air of fall.
Two small groves of liquid amber trees line my morning dog-walk route, and I always pause to admire the colorful fallen leaves. While it’s tempting to rake them up, supporting pollinators and invertebrates with winter shelter takes less yard work—simply leave the leaves! They act as natural mulch, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil as they decay. Mulching protects the soil, reduces erosion, and moderates temperature extremes by keeping roots warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and retains moisture, especially during droughts.
Rake leaves from the lawn, but leave them under trees and in flower beds. Designate an area to remain wild; mine is behind the guest cottage, which I’ve fenced off to protect vital pollinator habitats from my over-zealous gardener, who likes a tidy garden.
While you are doing less, don’t deadhead native plants, as native insects and animals feed on their seeds, and many native plants reseed annually. Embrace an untidy garden!
If you want to get your hands dirty, join us on October 23 for our first gathering to pot up unusual succulents and perennials to sell at the Valentine’s Extravaganza. It’s a chance to clear out those little plastic pots in your shed and put them to use for the club.
You can sign up at the Just Do 2 table!
Nancy Englund
2026-2027 President
