03/11/2026
If you're tuned in to the gardening world at all, you've likely heard the phrases, "Leave the leaves & Save the stems." That surprise snow storm this morning is exactly why. It's tempting to clean up your yard and gardens on the first nice day after daylight savings. Monday was absolutely gorgeous, with temperatures reaching 80 degrees and plenty of light after work hours to go play outside. Even the allium and yarrow pictured here started to green up! But then, because Nebraska weather *gestures to the sky*, temperatures dropped again and we are back in winter.
Leaf litter and standing vegetation provide crucial habitat for overwintering insects, including native bees, butterfly and moth larvae, beetles, and more. The more you can leave your garden wild over the winter, the better, as all of the nooks and crannies under plants and leaves provide shelter and warmth for the beneficial pollinators trying to survive until spring. Try to hold back on trimming and cleaning up your garden until temperatures are more consistently warm. Plus, look how much interest the standing plants provide!
Photo description: Photos of dead, standing grasses, seed heads, and plants with snow on them in the Schramm Education Center pollinator gardens.
