THOSE FALLEN LEAVES’

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30121, 3 May 1963, Page 6

THOSE FALLEN LEAVES’

Deciduous trees and shrubs are pleasing in the garden, as the impermanence of their leaves makes a pleasant contrast to the largely unchanging evergreens. At this time of the year many of them take on rich autumn tints making a last blaze of glory before they fall. However once these leaves do begin to fall they can be troublesome and we tend to forget the desirable attributes of 'deciduous plants. The leaves drift in amongst the bedding plants, cover the lawn and rock garden and generally make the garden look untidy.

Fallen leaves should not be left, but must be raked up and removed. If left they cause plants to become yellow and drawn and can kill young plants. They also harbour pests.

The leaves, when raked up, can be spread on the compost

heap. It is preferable to have them in thin layers with soft and succulent material in between. Make sure when adding them to the heap that they are not dry. Soak them with a hose if necessary as this will ensure quicker decomposition. An invaluable use to which fallen leaves can be put is to compost them on their own so that they will rot down to make leaf mould. This is a useful form of organic matter for use anywhere in the garden, but is particularly useful for adding to potting composts, and for digging into soil where rhododendrons and similar plants are to be planted; it is also useful in mulching, particularly for acid loving plants.

As the leaves are being bi-ilt into a heap, one should ensure that they are all wet. On every 9 to 12 inch layer, a handful of sulphate of ammonia should be sprinkled to help with decomposition. While oak and beech leaves are claimed to produce the best leaf mould, any kind of leaves can be used. It is. however, not advisable to add the leaves of evergreens or conifers as many of these contain harmful compounds. When all the leaves have been gathered up and stacked, the heap can be covered with soil to prevent the outer layers of leaves from drying out and blowing about in the wind. Decomposition will be quicker and more even if the heap is turned two or three times, making sure that there are no dry places when turning. The heap should be ready for use in about twelve months.