By Sarina Rattler
For the Salisbury Post

With above-average temperatures, it hasn’t felt like fall this October and November. This is especially true for me as a gardener who continues to run irrigation across the gardens and bulk water new trees. Yet nature tells a different story, with leaves changing and falling, camellias starting their winter blooms, and seeds ripening to fuel migrating birds on their journeys.

Speaking of the leaves — if you’re curious about “leaving the leaves” but not ready to make the leap, I understand! Let’s explore why leaving leaves can be beneficial for your garden. Fallen leaves provide essential shelter for native pollinators as they overwinter. They also suppress weeds, help retain moisture in the soil and contribute to overall soil health. It’s important to note that thicker leaves, such as those from oaks and sycamores, persist longer than thinner leaves like those from maples and redbuds. This distinction is crucial when deciding where to leave leaves in your yard.

For example, leaving oak leaves in natural areas, like those seen on Annandale Avenue, allows them to remain throughout the year, eliminating the need for additional mulch. However, it does require some effort to keep these areas contained and tidy through the winter until the leaves become compacted. Thinner leaves, on the other hand, break down quickly. If you leave them in garden beds or around trees, you may need to supplement with additional mulch.

As leaves continue to fall, the landscape transforms. The shapes and outlines of trees become more pronounced, evergreens stand out more vividly, and winter-blooming plants take center stage. At Hurley Park, the camellias are currently putting on a stunning display. The Camellia ‘Mine-No-Yuki’ in the Charles Collier Jr. Garden is particularly noteworthy this season.

As you stroll through your own landscape, take note of how the trees and shrubs have evolved throughout the year. While it’s generally best to wait until January through March to prune most plants, fall is an excellent time to identify gaps in your garden. Now is the perfect time to add new shrubs, which will benefit from establishing roots before the heat of summer arrives.

We’re adding a few new plants around the park this season, and we hope you’ll come by to enjoy the changes! Even if the temperatures aren’t cooperating, a walk through the park in mid-fall is always rewarding—there’s always something new to see! In the meantime stay up to date with what’s happening at Hurley Park by following us on Facebook or Instagram @HurleyParkNC. To make a donation to the park or inquire about rentals, please give us a call at 704-638-5298 or visit salisburync.gov/hurleypark.

Sarina Rattler is public garden supervisor for Salisbury Parks and Rec.