Going Native: No Mow May & Leave the Leaves with Missy Fabel of Missy Fabel Ecological Landscape Design

Going Native is our gardening series highlighting the contribution of native plants to building resilient landscapes. MyRye.com will introduce you to native plant experts that will tell you ways to get started with a small garden patch, a complete property or just a few garden containers.

Today we speak with Missy Fabel of Missy Fabel Ecological Landscape Design.

MyRye.com: What are “No Mow May” and “Leave the Leaves”? Are these important, why and do you have a particular version of each one that works for you?

Fabel: No May May is a movement to bring awareness to the fact that many small and emerging insects need cover of longer grass in the early spring. It can be aesthetically challenging, however, to let your grass grow so long. 

If you opt for No Mow May, make your lawn legible and intentional by mowing a 3 foot path around the area and/or a path through the lawn. Incorporating “cues to care” lets others know your intentions.

Leave the leaves is a campaign to educate the public on the importance of leaf litter to a healthy ecosystem. Larvae that overwinter in the leaves become food for songbirds, metamorphosize into moths and help build soil health. The natural breakdown of the organic matter of leaves into the soil also contributes to the health of the soil. A healthy soil naturally sequesters carbon. 

Of the two, I think leaving the leaves is more important than no mow since it naturally creates critical habitat and healthy soil, the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. 

Also read: Going Native: Missy Fabel Ecological Landscape Design’s Missy Fabel and our Going Native series.