Leave the Leaves: Think Before You Rake

Happy Leave the Leaves Month, plant friends! Did you guys know that was a thing that plant parents celebrate in October? It's actually one of the simplest, most low-maintenance, and laziest things that you could do to increase the diversity in your yard and save the planet!

And the perfect person to talk to about that is none other than my plant friend, David Mizejewski, a naturalist from the National Wildlife Federation, and a total plant nerd. He made a compelling argument for why we should all leave our leaves with intention. Let's dive in!

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:03] How David became the ultimate “nature geek” and advocate for wildlife-friendly gardening
• [04:17] Why October is officially “Leave the Leaves Month”
• [05:19] How did David land his dream job working with wildlife?
• [06:45] The connection between native plants, birds, and pollinators
• [07:44] Why conventional lawns are one of the worst habitats for wildlife
• [09:02] Sustainability goes mainstream: rewilding and native plant buzz
• [11:09] What is the role of leaves in biodiversity?
• [11:38] Yard ≠ lawn
• [14:05] Use leaves as free mulch/fertilizer in beds
• [14:46] Wind River Wind Chimes
• [16:26] Manukora Honey
• [18:00] How leaves naturally retain moisture, suppress weeds, and feed soil
• [19:26] How bagged leaves release methane in landfills and worsen climate change
• [23:12] What’s hiding in your leaf litter?
• [24:58] How some moths, fireflies, and birds depend on fallen leaves
• [28:44] Why you should ditch the leaf blower and use a rake instead
• [30:00] Under-leaf all-stars: isopods, earthworms, and other recyclers
• [31:29] How fireflies and other amphibians depend on leaves
• [34:01] How Bumblebee queens overwinter beneath leaves
• [38:31] How to “leave the leaves” the right way: raking, composting, and layering
• [43:00] What to do when your garden beds are full
• [45:33] How to get your town or HOA on board with sustainable yard practices
• [47:37] How small local actions fight climate change
• [48:44] David’s Halloween costumes and wildlife fun facts
• [49:51] Take the pledge + NWF “Leave the Leaves” hub
• [51:31] Where to follow David, NWF, and Garden for Wildlife

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife by David Mizejewski
• Videos featuring Naturalist David Mizejewski
• Book David – Naturalist David Mizejewski
• Growing Joy 308: Groundcovers That Work: Low-Maintenance Plants for Every Garden with Kathy Jentz

For David's wildlife-friendly gardening practices,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow David:

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Follow National Wildlife Federation:

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Follow Garden for Wildlife by NWF:

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Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Manukora

Go to manukora.com/bloom to get 25% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook.

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