By Joan Hoeckele (November 2025 Newsletter)
It is best not to cut your perennials down all the way to the ground in the fall. Cut the old stems to about 12 inches. The remaining stems
will provide visual interest, insulation, and shelter for wildlife. Also, the plants can store energy in their roots if you leave some stems and leaf cover.
This was pointed out by our club’s speaker at the October meeting, Giancarla Kalpas, an expert on pollinators. By doing this you are helping provide crucial shelter for beneficial insects like native bees and butterflies.