Great Uses for All Those New England Leaves
January 1, 2019
New England autumns are well-known for the gorgeous colors of the leaves that decorate treetops and garden foliage. However, fall takes on a whole new meaning once those leaves begin to drop. If you have more leaves on the ground than you know what to do with this fall, then check out some of these ideas for putting those leaves to good use.
Make a Wall Hanging
Instead of bagging up those leaves and letting them go to waste, bring them indoors by making an attractive wall hanging. Individual leaves can be pressed between the pages of a book and displayed in shadow boxes or picture frames. For a faster approach, try photocopying a leaf collage using a variety of different types of leaves and colors. Then, use an adhesive to attach the collage on canvas.
Use Them in Compost
Decomposed leaves can be used in the garden as a nutrient-rich conditioner for the soil. According to Organic Gardening, leaf mold can be created by allowing leaves to decompose in a pile until they are broken down. To hasten the process, a lawn mower can be used to break down the leaves. Once the leaf mold has been created it can be used alone in place of peat, or it can be added to compost for additional nutrients.
Create a Centerpiece
When decorating for the fall, use leaves to create a centerpiece that displays nature’s bounty. Start by taking a few branches from a tree and place them in a pretty vase. Then, add leaves on the ends of the branches to create a mini-tree using hot glue or tape. Alternatively, you can punch holes in the tops of leaves and hang them with fall-colored ribbons.
Whether you choose to use your leaves indoors or out, a little creativity can enable you to enhance your living space using the natural beauty of your New England leaves. If you still have an abundance of leaves after making your projects, try making a wreath or garland to give as a gift. Then, enjoy your home decorations while knowing that you made the most out of your beautiful fall bounty.
