When we think about wildlife in fall, our attention often goes skyward. Monarchs migrating south. Birds gathering for the journey ahead. What’s easier to miss are the thousands of insects spending winter right where they are — tucked into leaf litter, soil, stems, and bark.⁠ ⁠ In the September/October issue of American Gardener, Nancy Lawson reminds us that many declining insect species don’t leave for warmer places. They overwinter in our gardens, relying on the quiet layers we’re often quick to remove.⁠ ⁠ One of the simplest ways gardeners can help is also one of the hardest to embrace.⁠ ⁠ 🍂 Leave the leaves⁠ Fallen leaves aren’t mess. They’re insulation. They moderate soil temperatures, hold moisture, shelter overwintering insects, and provide foraging opportunities for birds. Instead of bagging or shredding them, try letting leaves collect beneath trees, tucking them into beds, or moving them where they can do some good. A garden can still look cared for while allowing space for l...