20/11/2025
Over the years I’ve learned that one of the simplest ways to care for the garden through winter is to leave the stems standing. It goes against the old habit of tidying everything away, but nature really does know best.
When I leave the stems uncut, they create little shelters for insects and other tiny creatures that need somewhere safe to overwinter. Ladybirds, lacewings and solitary bees all tuck themselves away in the hollow stems, and by spring they’re ready to emerge and help keep the garden healthy.
The stems also protect the soil. They slow down the wind, trap fallen leaves, and help hold moisture in the beds during the cold, dry spells. Even when everything looks a bit faded, there’s still so much quiet life happening there.
And, if I’m honest, I love the way the seed heads catch the low winter light. There’s a sort of calm beauty in letting things stand as they are.
So I’m leaving my stems a little wild now, knowing that come spring the garden will be all the better for it.
I have written about how we manage the garden in winter, the link is in stories or head straight to the blog on the website (link in bio).
