Leaves as Mulch

I am a new home owner and a new gardener. My property has lots of trees, and during the few few months in my new home, I planted many perennials. I discovered along the way that the soil where my "cottage garden" is evolving is nutrient poor.

Are uncomposted leaves suitable mulch for wintering the perrenials?

Yes,leaves are a natural plant mulch,they will breakdown in time,and give a great place for worms to do their work.

peggy... they will do better if you can chop them first. Run over them with the lawn mower if you don't have access to a leaf chipper/shredder.

I am looking forward to shredding my leaves when they leave the trees. (Nice sound, eh?) I plan to work some of them into my perennial beds, and the rest will be spread over the rustic areas to do their work. I look forward to next spring to discover some black gold.

And, some Black Gold you should have... but just remember that leaves do not compost as much in cold weather.

And some Michigan weather I shoud send you. (:>)~