Leave the Leaves?

I have taken the leaves off my lawns, and off paths and gravel areas... but there are still lots on the borders and beds. Should I leave them or clear them?

Sorry for such a basic question... it is so basic I can't seem to find an answer to it anywhere in my books!

 

jesaya, I would be inclined to clear as many off as possible, as they can harbour slugs and the like. Don`t be too fussy and try to pick them all up.

 

Leaves on the lawn will ruin the lawn but leaves on the flowerbeds help to deter weed growth. If there's not a slug problem, leave them to rot in situ or mulch over the top of them. The only problem with leaving them is they may harbour plant diseases ie black spot on roses.

 

Thanks guys - the beds are well mulched so I may as well work off a few Christmas pounds and clear some more

 

I know it is not much of concern for most here (because you don't have the prolonged and deep freezing temps) but I do keep some of the leaves on my perennials over the winter. This added layer of insulation has cut my losses on a lot of perennials. They need to be cleaned off in the early spring.

 

I like to have a clean looking garden and although the leaves might have some benefit to the borders etc. I clear them all up.

Not only does it look neater that way the slugs don't have a fancy hotel to stay in just ready to eat your young tasty looking plants and seedlings....get rid of the leaves and evict the slugs! :D
Helen.xxx.

 

At the moment I just wish the slugs would eat the squirrels!

 

I have to disagree with you there sweetie I wish it was the other way round and that the squirrels would eat the blooming slugs! :eek: Helen.xxx.

 

I wish the hedgehogs would eat them both.

 

I never thought of that Walnut any burly hedgehogs out there are more than welcome to come and stay in my garden. Helen.xxx.