Don’t cut back your perennials now!

In autumn, less is often more – especially in the garden. Even if the sun is still shining and you’re itching to get some work done outside, it’s best not to cut back perennials or remove faded plant remains. Leave them standing over the winter instead – they provide valuable habitats and food sources for numerous insects, birds, and small mammals.

Insect-friendly winter shelters

Many species of wild bees lay their eggs in hollow plant stems. The larvae overwinter there and hatch in spring. It’s important that the stems remain standing – this prevents them from rotting, as water can still drain away, ensuring the larvae develop safely. Butterflies such as the swallowtail (Papilio machaon) also overwinter as pupae in dry plant parts, for example at the base of perennials. Cutting back too early can destroy these vital winter shelters.
Learn more here.

Winter food for birds

The seed heads of many perennials are an important food source for birds in winter. For example, goldfinches feed on the seeds of the nodding thistle (Carduus nutans). Leaving plants such as chicory (Cichorium intybus), wild teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) or knapweed (Centaurea jacea) provides birds with natural food – without the need for artificial feeders.
Find more bird-friendly plants here.

A decorative winter landscape

Uncut perennials and grasses create a natural and atmospheric look in the garden during winter – seed heads and grass stems covered in frost can be beautifully decorative. And once you know how many beneficial insects live inside them, you’ll see them in a completely new light. Give it a try this year!
Get some inspiration here.