Three Flexible Approaches to Fall Perennial Garden Cleanup

Find the Autumn Routine That Works for You and Your Garden

When it comes to fall cleanup in your perennial garden, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Your approach can be tailored to your lifestyle, your garden's needs, your health, and even your mood as the leaves start to fall.

Here are three practical methods—each with its own merits—to help you decide what's right for your space this autumn.

The 'Let it Be' Approach (think 'Elsa')

Just as the classic song suggests, sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all and sometimes life takes us to a place in the fall where we need to rest.

This approach, which involves leaving both annuals and perennials standing through the winter. It allows you to enjoy a more relaxed autumn, with minimal chores until spring.

Not only does this method save you time in the fall, but it also closely mimics nature's rhythms and benefits your garden's ecosystem. Fallen leaves return nutrients to the soil, and plant stems help catch snow, which provides valuable moisture come spring.

Letting perennials die back naturally supports strong roots, and leaving garden debris provides essential winter habitat for insects and pollinators.

Your garden might look a bit wild, but it's bursting with life beneath the surface.

The 'Scorched Earth' Approach (think 'Rambo')

If you prefer a tidier look or want to get a jump on spring, this method is for you.

Cut all perennials back to about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) and remove annuals in the fall.

This leaves you with a clean slate for planting next year and reduces your spring workload.

However, with fewer stems to trap snow and fewer leaves to decompose, soil and plant health may not benefit as much.

Insect and pollinator habitats are also limited with this method, so consider the trade-offs before going all-in on neatness.

The 'Middle of the Road' Approach (as in 'Goldilocks')

Can't decide? Meet in the middle!

This balanced option allows you to sculpt your winter landscape by leaving select perennials standing—especially those with interesting shapes or sturdy stalks like Decadence^® Baptisia, Graceful Grasses^® perennial grasses, or tall fall-blooming sedums—while cutting back others.

Leaving some plant material helps catch snow and insulate roots, while also maintaining a tidier appearance.

By dividing cleanup between fall and spring, you spread out the work and give insects and pollinators better winter shelter. The more you leave standing, the greater the benefits for your garden's health and your enjoyment of its winter beauty.

Regardless of which mode works for you, I encourage you to remove all diseased foliage, such as that infected with powdery mildew or any mold, and remove Peony foliage to avoid developing Botrytis blight.

Whichever approach you choose, remember: gardening is flexible, and each season offers new opportunities. Your garden will reward your efforts—whether you're hands-off, all-in, or somewhere in between.

Embrace the method that inspires you and enjoy your garden's unique autumn and winter character!