Welcome to the third installment of the GreenBox Action Guide, a weekly series that provides you with a fun and engaging blueprint to make your yard more beautiful, abundant, and sustainable. Each week, we'll drop a simple, creative tip to make your outdoor space more eco-friendly while contributing to a healthier planet. We'll introduce you to cool permaculture concepts, tell you all about native birds, bugs, and plants, and give you a few simple steps you can take to put this knowledge into action.
Let’s work together to cultivate sustainability—one yard at a time! The first couple Guides will be free to everyone, but if you want to keep growing become a Member today for as little as $23/month!
Contents
Learning to love those leaves
Did you know that the humble layer of fallen leaves on the ground is a powerhouse for soil health and biodiversity? Leaf litter not only enriches the soil by breaking down into nutrient-rich organic matter but also provides vital shelter and food for countless wildlife species. By exploring the natural benefits of leaf litter, we can better appreciate its role in sustaining healthy ecosystems and learn how to embrace it in our own yards and gardens.
In this week's Action Guide we’ll discover how leaf litter enriches soil, supports wildlife, and naturally sustains healthy ecosystems.
Core Concept: Leaves are Nature’s way of nourishing ecosystems
Have you ever stopped to consider the importance of fallen leaves on the forest floor or in your yard? What may look like a simple mess to rake is actually a vital component of the natural world, playing a key role in enriching soil, supporting wildlife, and maintaining the health of ecosystems. Leaf litter, the layer of decomposing leaves and organic matter, is one of nature’s most efficient recyclers, breaking down into nutrient-rich humus that feeds plants and restores soil fertility. Understanding the value of leaf litter can help us embrace its benefits rather than seeing it as mere garden waste.
Leaf litter does more than improve the soil—it creates a thriving habitat for countless organisms. Small insects, fungi, and microbes depend on it for food and shelter, and in turn, these creatures support larger wildlife such as birds, amphibians, and mammals. Salamanders hide under the damp layers, pollinators like butterflies use it for winter hibernation, and birds forage among the leaves for insects. By preserving or redistributing leaf litter in our outdoor spaces, we provide critical support for these species and enhance biodiversity in our local ecosystems.
In addition to supporting wildlife and enriching soil, leaf litter plays a role in reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Instead of sending leaves to landfills or burning them, leaving them to decompose naturally keeps their nutrients in the local environment. You can even harness their benefits in your garden by using them as mulch or adding them to compost piles. By rethinking our approach to fallen leaves, we can align with nature’s cycles, creating healthier soil, attracting beneficial wildlife, and contributing to a more balanced ecosystem.
Take action: Use leaves to map out a new planting bed
In this activity, you're going to use those leaves in your yard to help create a new planting bed.
Goal(s)
Create the foundational layer for a new planting bed
What you'll need
A rake (or handheld leaf blower if you're unable to rake)
Time to complete
20 minutes
Action steps
To get started grab your rake and head outside.
Using the information you gathered in Week One, choose a part of your yard to develop into a new bed. Alternatively, you can use an existing bed that needs to be spruced up.
Use the rake to rake leaves into the shape of the new bed. This is a great way to try out different shapes and sizes for beds without doing anything more than moving leaves around.
When you're satisfied with the shape, start piling up as many leaves as you can in the bed, ideally creating a little mound in the middle of the bed. Through the winter these leaves will decompose and settle, creating a thin layer of humus on top of the ground. If the leaf pile is deep enough, it might even kill the grass and weeds underneath, making your bed development even easier.
Now, ask yourself the following questions. Right your answer in your notebook:
How did you decide on the location and shape of your new planting bed, and what factors influenced your choice (e.g., sunlight, soil conditions, visual appeal)?
What was the most enjoyable or surprising part of using leaves to design your bed?
What type of plants do you envision adding to this bed once it’s ready for planting?
How might you continue to incorporate natural materials like leaves into your gardening practices moving forward?
Plant of the week: Threadleaf Coreopsis
Threadleaf Coreopsis: A Sunshine Plant for Every Space
Threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) is a charming perennial that brings a burst of sunshine to gardens with its delicate, thread-like foliage and profusion of bright yellow flowers. Native to North America, this plant thrives in various conditions, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly addition to their landscapes.
Key Facts
Sun Requirements: Threadleaf Coreopsis requires at least 6 hours of sunlight.
Water Requirements: Threadleaf Coreopsis is drought-tolerant once it is established. However, during the first growing season, it benefits from regular watering to help it establish a strong root system. The plant generally prefers well-drained soil and does not require frequent watering.
Height: 2-3 feet tall.
Spread: 1- 2 feet wide, forming a rounded, bushy clump that can fill in garden beds or borders.
Natural Habitat: Threadleaf Coreopsis is native to prairies, meadows, and open woodlands across the eastern United States. This plant thrives in these natural environments where it enjoys full sun and well-drained soil.
Uses: Threadleaf Coreopsis is versatile and can be used in beds, borders, and cutting gardens. It’s also an excellent choice for rock gardens and containers due to its compact size and low-maintenance nature. Additionally, its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies makes it a fantastic addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
When to Harvest: Flowers can be harvested when in full bloom, typically from mid-summer to early fall.
Recipe: For a subtle floral note in your beverage, try this Coreopsis-infused lemonade.
Animal of the week: Firefly
Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are one of nature’s most enchanting creatures. Their glowing lights bring a sense of wonder to summer evenings, but fireflies are more than just a pretty sight—they play an important role in ecosystems. These bioluminescent insects contribute to soil health and pest control, making them valuable allies for gardeners. Whether you're captivated by their flashing signals or intrigued by their ecological importance, fireflies are a fascinating part of the natural world that deserve a closer look.
Key Facts
Size: Fireflies are relatively small insects, ranging from 5 to 25 millimeters (0.2 to 1 inch) in length, depending on the species.
Natural habitat: Fireflies thrive in warm, humid environments such as forests, meadows, wetlands, and even gardens. They prefer areas with tall grasses, shrubs, and plenty of moisture.
What it eats: As larvae, fireflies are voracious predators, feeding on soft-bodied insects like slugs, snails, and earthworms. Adult fireflies often consume nectar, pollen, or don’t eat at all, focusing on reproduction instead.
Why they're good for the garden: Firefly larvae help control pest populations by feeding on slugs and snails, which can damage plants. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem with clean soil and minimal light pollution.
How to attract it: To invite fireflies to your garden, reduce outdoor lighting at night, as artificial light interferes with their mating signals. Provide plenty of native plants, moisture, and undisturbed areas with leaf litter or tall grasses. Avoid using pesticides, which can harm firefly populations.
Fun fact: Fireflies produce their light through a chemical reaction called bioluminescence, using a substance called luciferin. This glow is not just for show—it's a form of communication, primarily used to attract mates.
Kidd's Corner: Leaf Bucket Composting Adventure
Teach your "kidds" the basics of decomposition and how leaves turn into soil, fostering a hands-on appreciation for nature and the environment.
Materials
A large bucket or container with small drainage holes at the bottom
Fallen leaves (a mix of dry and fresh leaves)
A handful of soil or compost to kickstart decomposition
Watering can or spray bottle
Optional: A magnifying glass for observations
Instructions
Collect the Leaves:Take the kids on a fun scavenger hunt around the yard or park to collect fallen leaves. Encourage them to pick different colors, shapes, and sizes. Talk about how leaves fall in autumn and why they are important for the soil.
Prepare the Bucket:Show the children how to layer the bucket with leaves and a small handful of soil or compost to introduce microorganisms. Explain that the soil contains tiny organisms that help break down the leaves into smaller pieces.
Water the Leaves:Using the watering can or spray bottle, lightly moisten the leaves. Explain that water is necessary for the microbes to work, but the leaves shouldn’t be soaking wet.
Place the Bucket:Find a shady spot to place the bucket. This will mimic the natural forest floor where leaves decompose over time.
Weekly Observations:Have the kids check the bucket weekly. Let them stir the contents with a stick to help the decomposition process. Use a magnifying glass to look for bugs or worms helping the process along. Discuss how the leaves are breaking down and becoming darker and crumbly.
Celebrate the Soil:After several weeks (or months, depending on the season), the leaves will transform into rich, dark soil. Let the kids use this new soil to plant something in the garden, connecting the cycle of nature.
Key Learning Points!
Leaves decompose into soil, which plants need to grow.
Microorganisms and worms are essential helpers in the soil-making process.
Composting helps recycle natural materials back into the earth.