Autumn Chrysanthemum Maintenance: Cold-Winter Zones

 

This season, I planted nursery-grown gallon-size container chrysanthemums in August and September. With our warm fall, they bloomed beautifully right up until the first light frost in November. That frost caused the blooms to die back, but the foliage remained green and healthy.

Now comes the gardener’s question: Should chrysanthemums be cut back in late fall, or should you wait until spring? In cold-winter zones where snow, ice, and bitter cold are part of the season, the answer is clear: patience and proper garden maintenance will ensure your mums return stronger next year.

 

Late Fall Chrysanthemum Care: Deadheading and Mulching

Once your chrysanthemums finish blooming in late fall, it’s important to deadhead the spent flowers to keep the plant tidy. However, resist the urge to cut back the stems entirely. Leaving the foliage and stems intact provides natural protection for the crown of the plant during freezing temperatures.

Mulching is the next critical step in fall chrysanthemum maintenance. Apply a 2–4 inch layer of protective mulch around the base of the plant once the ground begins to freeze. The mulch acts as insulation, shielding the roots from harsh winter conditions. Choose materials that breathe and break down evenly, such as shredded bark, pine needles, straw, or shredded non-oak leaves. Avoid heavy oak leaves, which can mat together, trap moisture, and harbor mold or insects. By selecting the right mulch, you create a healthier environment for your mums to survive the winter.

Fall Prep for Winter Snow

In cold-winter zones, chrysanthemums face more than just freezing temperatures they can also be damaged by snow piles from walkways or foot traffic across the garden bed. One simple solution is to rope off the garden with tall stakes and a string line before winter sets in.

This is something I do myself, because my husband doesn’t care about gardens. Without a clear boundary, he might pile snow from the walkway directly onto the flower bed or trample the crowns while crossing the yard. By roping off the garden in late fall while temperatures are still mild you create a visible reminder that protects your plants from accidental damage all season long.

Compacted snow and repeated trampling can crush stems, damage crowns, and compact the soil, making it harder for mums to regrow in spring. A simple rope barrier ensures your chrysanthemums remain safe under their mulch blanket, undisturbed by winter activity.

 

Winter Chrysanthemum Maintenance: Protecting Plants Through Snow and Ice

During the winter months, chrysanthemums benefit from being left alone. Keep stems and foliage standing throughout the season, as they act as a natural shield against snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures. This protective layer reduces the risk of crown damage and helps the plant conserve energy until spring.

Check your mulch periodically after storms. Wind, snow, or ice can displace it, leaving roots exposed. Replenish mulch as needed to maintain consistent coverage. Watering is generally unnecessary during winter dormancy, but in rare cases of prolonged drought, a light watering may help prevent the soil from becoming bone dry.

By practicing consistent winter garden maintenance, you ensure that your chrysanthemums remain insulated and ready to regrow when warmer weather arrives.

 

 Key Takeaway for Fall and Winter Chrysanthemum Care

The secret to abundant blooms next year lies in seasonal garden maintenance. Deadhead flowers in late fall, apply breathable mulch, rope off your garden to prevent snow damage, and leave stems standing through winter. With patience and proper care, your chrysanthemums will reward you with a spectacular autumn display year after year.

Leaves on Lawn Over Winter: Pros and Cons

 

Every autumn, homeowners face the same question: should you leave fallen leaves on your lawn or rake them away? Some argue that leaves act as a natural mulch, protecting grass and enriching the soil, while others warn that thick layers can smother turf and invite pests. The truth is that both perspectives hold merit, depending on the type of leaves and how they are managed. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of leaving leaves on your lawn over winter, explain why oak leaves in particular can cause problems, and share practical strategies for handling heavy leaf fall. By the end, you’ll know how to balance lawn health with seasonal management.

 

The Pros of Leaving Leaves on Your Lawn

When managed properly, leaves can be a valuable resource for your lawn. A thin layer of shredded leaves acts as a natural mulch, insulating the soil and protecting grass roots from harsh winter temperatures. As the leaves break down, they return organic matter and nutrients to the soil, improving its structure and fertility. This process supports beneficial microorganisms and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. Beyond lawn health, leaves provide habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects, helping to sustain biodiversity in your yard. In short, when leaves are shredded and spread lightly, they can enhance both your lawn and the surrounding ecosystem. 

The Cons of Leaving Leaves on Your Lawn

The benefits quickly disappear when leaves are left in thick, unshredded layers. Whole leaves can form dense mats that block sunlight and air circulation, suffocating the grass beneath. Moisture trapped under these mats creates ideal conditions for mold and fungal diseases, such as snow mold, which can damage turf and leave unsightly patches in spring. Heavy leaf cover also provides shelter for pests like ticks, fleas, and even snakes, making your yard less inviting for people and pets. Instead of enriching the soil, unmanaged leaves can create long-term problems that require costly repairs or reseeding once the weather warms.

 

Why Oak Leaves Are Different

Oak leaves deserve special attention because they behave differently from softer varieties like maple or birch. Their leathery, waxy texture makes them resistant to decomposition, often taking two to three years to break down fully. When multiple mature oak trees drop their leaves, the sheer volume creates a smothering blanket that is difficult to manage. This thick cover not only blocks light but also provides ideal hiding spots for pests, which explains why many homeowners notice more ticks, fleas, and even snakes when oak leaves are left whole over winter. By contrast, silver maple leaves shred easily and decompose within a single season, making them far more lawn-friendly. Recognizing these differences is key to deciding which leaves can safely remain on your lawn and which should be removed.

 

Best Practices for Managing Heavy Leaf Fall

The most effective strategy for homeowners with many mature trees is to shred leaves with a mulching mower. Shredded leaves break down faster, enrich the soil, and avoid the smothering effect of whole leaves. For properties with heavy oak leaf fall, shredding alone may not be enough. Excess leaves should be raked and removed, either for curbside pickup or composting. Mixing leaf types in compost piles can balance decomposition rates, with softer maple leaves helping to break down tougher oak leaves. By combining mulching and removal, you can protect your lawn while still recycling nutrients and supporting the environment. This balanced approach ensures that your lawn stays healthy, your soil benefits from organic matter, and your yard remains safe and usable throughout the year. 

Conclusion

Leaves are a natural gift, but they must be managed wisely. A teaching point for every homeowner is that not all leaves are equal oak leaves in particular can harm lawns if left whole. By shredding leaves, removing excess, and composting strategically, you can enjoy the benefits of natural mulch without the risks of mold, pests, or smothered grass. The key is balance: use what nature provides, but don’t let it overwhelm your lawn. With the right approach, you can turn autumn’s leaf fall into a resource that supports both your lawn and the broader ecosystem.  

Footnote: The Myth of Leaf Piles for Insects

Some homeowners believe that leaving large piles of leaves on their lawn protects beneficial insects and bees over winter. While it’s true that certain pollinators use leaf litter for shelter, unmanaged piles in the middle of a lawn often create damp, moldy conditions that favor pests like ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes instead. Beneficial insects typically overwinter in garden beds, wooded edges, or compost piles not in thick mats of leaves on turf.

It’s also worth noting the contradiction: many who leave piles for “environmental reasons” later apply broad-spectrum pest control in spring, which eliminates both harmful and beneficial species. A more balanced approach is to shred leaves for soil health and move excess to garden beds or compost areas, where they can safely support pollinators without harming the lawn.

How to Decoupage a Halloween Plate for Easy Home Decor

 

Vintage charm meets black-and-orange Halloween Ambiance 

If you’re craving a touch of Halloween whimsy without the clutter, this DIY decoupage plate is your perfect seasonal anchor. Using my vintage Halloween paper featuring broomstick witches, pumpkins, spider webs, black cats, and crescent moons. You can create a festive centerpiece that pairs beautifully with black and orange home decor.

Whether you’re setting a candlelit ambiance, styling a table, this plate brings nostalgic charm and visual Halloween ambiance to any space.

Materials You’ll Need:

One white ceramic plate (matte or glossy)

My vintage Halloween decoupage paper (available in seasonal packs or printable sheets)

Mod Podge or matte decoupage glue

Soft brush or sponge applicator

Scissors

Optional: black pillar candles, orange taper candles, or mini pumpkins for styling

 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep Your Plate
Wipe the plate clean with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. If it’s glossy, a light sanding can help the glue adhere better.

2. Cut Your Paper
Trim the illustrations from the vintage Halloween sheet gnome baby in pumpkin, flying witches, black cats, crescent moons, spider webs. You can arrange them diagonally or in a scattered pattern depending on your style.

3. Arrange Your Layout
Before gluing, lay out the pieces on the plate to find a composition that feels balanced. Think of it like storytelling: who’s flying where, who’s watching whom?

4. Apply the Glue
Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the back of each cutout and press it gently onto the plate. Smooth out any bubbles with your fingers or a soft cloth.

5. Seal the Design
Once all pieces are placed, brush a thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire plate to seal it. Let it dry for at least 2 hours. For extra durability, add a second coat.

6. Style It Up
Set three black pillar candles in the center for a dramatic effect, or surround the plate with orange tapers and mini gourds. The vintage illustrations pop against black and orange accents, making this plate a versatile decor piece from October 1st through Halloween night.

Why It Works

This plate isn’t just decor it’s a seasonal altar, a visual spell, a nod to the playful and mysterious. The vintage paper adds warmth and nostalgia, while the black candles ground the scene in ritual. It’s easy, affordable, and endlessly customizable.

How to Decoupage Autumn Hat Boxes with Leaf Print Tissue Paper

Autumn is a season of texture, color, and quiet transformation and your home décor can reflect that beautifully. One of the most charming ways to celebrate fall is by creating custom decoupage hat boxes using leaf print tissue paper. These boxes aren’t just decorative; they double as storage for your seasonal decorations, keeping everything tidy and ready for next year.

Materials You’ll Need:

Round or oval hat boxes (cardboard or papier-mâché work best)

Leaf print tissue paper (like the one shown above)

Decoupage glue (e.g., Mod Podge)

Soft brush or sponge applicator

Scissors

Optional: matte sealant spray for added durability

 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep Your Surface
Wipe down the hat boxes to remove any dust or residue. If the surface is glossy, lightly sand it to help the glue adhere better.

2. Cut Your Tissue Paper
Trim the leaf print tissue paper into manageable sections. You can cut around individual leaves for a collage effect or use full sheets for a seamless wrap.

3. Apply the Glue
Using your brush, apply a thin layer of decoupage glue to a small section of the box. Gently press the tissue paper onto the glue, smoothing out wrinkles with your fingers or a soft sponge.

4. Layer and Seal
Continue working in sections until the entire box is covered. Once dry, apply a top coat of glue over the paper to seal it. Let it dry fully before stacking or storing.

5. Style Your Display
Stack your finished hat boxes near a cozy corner, entryway, or mantel. Add a small pumpkin, dried leaves, or acorns for a seasonal decorations that feels both curated and organic.

Why It Works

Feature:
These decoupage hat boxes are an attractive way to decorate for fall bringing in warm tones, natural motifs, and a handmade touch that feels personal and inviting.

Benefit:
They’re not just pretty. You can store your autumn garlands, faux pumpkins, leaf garlands, and seasonal linens inside, keeping your décor organized and protected until next year.

Storytime & Game Night: Autumn Magic Around the Table

 

 

There’s something about fall that invites us to slow down and savor the little things crisp air, golden light, and the comforting rhythm of gathering together. One of my favorite ways to celebrate the season is by turning the family table into a hub of cozy connection. Whether it’s story time after dinner or a spontaneous board game afternoon, these simple rituals create lasting memories.

 Storytime at the Table

After a hearty autumn meal or during a quiet weekend moment, gather around the table for a seasonal story. Choose a picture book filled with woodland scenes, harvest adventures, or falling leaves—or let each family member share a favorite memory from past autumns. The tablecloth softens the space, adding warmth and intention to the moment. It’s amazing how a simple textile can turn a regular evening into something magical.

 Board Game Fun

When the mood calls for laughter and a little friendly competition, bring out your favorite board game. Whether it’s a classic strategy game or something lighthearted and silly, the joy of playing together is timeless. Add mugs of cider, a flickering candle, and a cozy table setting, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fall family fun.

 

Here Are a Few of My Favorite Fall Season Tablecloth Designs

Created with love for cozy autumn memories, each design is meant to inspire togetherness, storytelling, and a touch of seasonal magic. From rustic plaids to whimsical woodland prints, these tablecloths are more than décor they’re part of the story.

This article published by Susan Golis, Freelance Writer, blogger, and Content Creator.  AI images created by Susan Golis 

Things to Do with Autumn Leaves

 

If you have a lot of leaves during the fall season and prefer to do something useful rather than burning, bagging or raking them to the curb then follow these tips for things to do with your autumn leaves.  

Here are a few photos of autumn 

If you are a gardener and desire a rich carbon and nitrogen compost them mix leaves with your grass clippings.   You can also use the leaf matter as a natural mulch for your garden beds or around your shrubs and trees. 

When using the leaves as a mulch you will find that the leaves will prevent weed grown and when the decompose the soil will be enriched.   Its best to apply a thin layer of leaf mulch rather than a thick layer because if the leaves are too heavy they will block the water from getting to your soil. 

Feed your autumn / winter season lawn with leaves.  Mow over the fallen leaves so that the leaves are cut into small pieces.  Leave the shredded leaf matter on your lawn and when it breaks down it will provide a natural feed for your grass. 

Have fun with your autumn leaves by raking them into a big pile then play with kids or grandkids by running and jumping into the pile of leaves.  It’s a fun thing to do during the autumn season.

Grow Lettuce in Autumn

 Autumn is the season when most of your crops are being harvested, however, it is also the time when you grow lettuce.   Lettuce is a fast-growing vegetable that your family will enjoy during the Autumn season.  

Plant lettuce seeds in a sunny location and in soil that you have prepared by removing the weeds and turning the soil over with a shovel or tiller.   

Water the soil well and cover it with straw.  Wait a week before checking to see if the soil has cooled down.  If this method worked your soil should have cooled to the right temperature for planting lettuce.  

Sow the seeds in rows that are two feet apart.   The seeds should be planted into the soil that is a half inch deep. Water well then keep the lettuce bed watered so that the soil is moist but not wet. 

Water lettuce daily until the seeds germinate in about two weeks. Then water as needed, If days are hot then water daily, to prevent soil from drying out.  The lack of water on a hot day will cause leaves to wilt.  Otherwise, water lettuce weekly.  

Good to Know

Should there be an early frost take steps to protect your lettuce with row covers. 

Enjoy lettuce salads within a month of planting. 

Season Change: Autumn Nights are Cooler

When I look out my window I can see that the leaves are falling from the oak trees and accumulating on the lawn. Plus the sweet autumn clematis and chrysanthemums are in full bloom.  Nature has a way of telling us when the summer is ending.  Yes, the season is changing, fall flowers are blooming and the cooler temperature is in the forecast.

Chrysanthemums in bloom, they are Falls flower

Today I turned off our air-conditioner and opened up the windows.  The high was 72 degrees.  Airing out my house sure was nice however I did close the window about ten this evening because the breeze felt cold.

Presently the thermostat outdoors says it is 57 degrees and the low tonight will be 48.    That is too cold for this time of the year and I need to get ready for a cooler than usual autumn this year. 

Tomorrow I will be busy with indoor activities.  I want to pack up my summer pastel clothing because the season has changed.  It is time to get out the darker colored tee's, jeans, cords, light flannel shirts and find suitable shoes.

Here is a transitional tee that is perfect for the autumn season.

Autumn Maple Leaves T-Shirt by Susang6

There will still be some days that are hot so a few short-sleeve tees and capri pants will be good on those days but shorts and pastel floral tops are last season and they will be packed tomorrow in under the bed storage containers.  Then I will go up to the attic to look for the alternative down comforter for our bed because it will keep us warm when autumn nights are cool.  

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day packing up summer clothes and getting ready for the autumn season.