Gathering Leaves
“Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.”
Practice Gathering Leaves
Notice. Look for neighbors who may need help with leaves.
Gather together. Ask neighbors and children to join in gathering leaves.
Care for the land. Look for ways to mulch and compost leaves.
Wonder. Take five minutes to see the beauty, color, and uniqueness of fallen leaves.
Don’t forget the leaves on the roof. Clear leaves from the gutters before cold weather.
Mark the moment. Enjoy a warm, or cold drink, after gathering leaves.
“A neighbor is someone who you share leaves with.” A friend once shared this wisdom with me. It is a helpful reminder a yard covered in leaves is an annual invitation to love my neighbor. Saying a prayer for the wind to blow all the leaves into your neighbor’s yard is not what I’m suggesting. Instead, the yearly work of gathering leaves can be a practice that marks this season of caring for the people and place around you.
Giving a few hours to gather leaves in your neighborhood is a practical way to serve others. Raking leaves may be difficult for neighbors who are elderly or have certain health conditions. Gathering piles of leaves (and falling into them) is the yard work many hold as a cherished childhood memory. The time gathering leaves requires often has outsized outcomes.
The movement to “Leave the Leaves” for the benefit of the ecosystem of plants and animals may not be a realistic option for many homeowners. David Mizejewski, a naturalist and author with the National Wildlife Federation, says “The most important thing is to try and keep them on your property.” He suggests raking leaves into garden beds or scatter them around the roots of plants. Another option is to gather them into a compost pile. Whole leaves can be composted, but shredded leaves biodegrade more quickly. Mulching a light layer of leaves with a mower is beneficial for the soil. The primary goal is to avoid removing leaves in plastic bags to be disposed.
A few helpful reminders in gathering leaves. It’s always easier to rake dry leaves. Wet leaves are like wet newspaper. If the leaves don’t crunch when you step on them it’s probably too wet. If weather allows, save time by waiting until the trees are almost bare. By waiting, you’ll only have to rake the yard once. And, using a tarp to collect leaves can streamline the process. The Rocky Mountain Goods Drawstring Tarp is specially designed for raking up leaves. Rake the leaves on the top of the tarp, then gather the corners of the tarp to move them efficiently to garden beds or compost bins.
Fallen leaves are an annual reminder of who is your neighbor. They are an invitation to care for both the people and place around you.
