That pile of dead leaves, dried flowers, and broken twigs might look like something you should haul to the curb before winter. But what if cleaning up every last piece of garden debris actually makes your yard less healthy?
Many gardeners spend hours clearing flower beds each fall, believing that a spotless landscape will give plants a better start next spring. However, wildlife experts are increasingly encouraging homeowners to rethink that approach because some of the material we consider trash provides essential shelter, food, and protection for beneficial insects and birds.
