When fall arrives in Connecticut, it can be tempting to cut back every perennial and tidy every corner of the garden before winter. But when it comes to fall garden cleanup, leaving some healthy plants standing can actually benefit your landscape and local wildlife.
At Town & Country Nurseries in Haddam, CT, we encourage gardeners to think beyond a perfectly clean garden. Perennials, seed heads and ornamental grasses can continue adding beauty and purpose long after summer has ended.
Leave Some Perennials Standing
Many healthy perennials do not need to be cut to the ground in fall. Dried stems and seed heads can add texture and structure to otherwise bare winter garden beds.
Some seed heads can also provide a natural food source for birds during the colder months. Leaving selected plants standing gives you another season of interest while making your garden a little more welcoming to wildlife.
Let Ornamental Grasses Shine in Winter
Before cutting back your ornamental grasses, consider leaving them until late winter or early spring.
Their dried foliage and seed heads can add height, movement and texture to the winter landscape. Frost and snow can make ornamental grasses especially beautiful, giving Connecticut gardens interest even after the growing season has ended.
Create Winter Habitat in Your Garden
Standing stems, leaves and other plant material can provide shelter and overwintering habitat for beneficial insects and other small creatures.
You do not have to leave the entire garden untouched. Instead, consider a more selective approach to fall cleanup.
What Should You Remove in Fall?
While some plants are worth leaving, diseased or heavily damaged plant material should be cleaned up. Removing unhealthy material can help keep the garden tidier and reduce potential problems.
Fallen leaves can also be useful in garden beds, but avoid allowing thick, matted layers to smother lawns or smaller plants.
Save Some Cleanup for Spring
Leaving healthy perennials and grasses standing means less work now and gives your garden more winter character. When late winter or early spring arrives, you can cut back remaining stems and grasses before new growth gets underway.
Fall Garden Cleanup FAQs
Should I cut back all perennials in the fall?
No. Many healthy perennials can remain standing through winter and be cut back later.
Should ornamental grasses be cut back in fall?
Many ornamental grasses can be left standing for winter interest and cut back in late winter or early spring.
Do seed heads help birds?
Some perennial seed heads provide a natural food source for birds during fall and winter.
What should I remove from my garden in fall?
Diseased, damaged or problematic plant material is generally better removed rather than left standing.
Visit Town & Country Nurseries
Have questions about fall gardening in Connecticut or planning your landscape for next season? Stop by Town & Country Nurseries in Haddam. We’re happy to help you make the most of your garden throughout the seasons.
Town & Country Nurseries
1036 Saybrook Road
Haddam, CT 06438
(860) 345-8581
Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: 9 AM to 4 PM
