Lorna asks:

How can I  keep the leaves on my garden from blowing away in the strong winds we’ve been having? I worked so hard to rake and collect them, and now I am watching them being blown all over the lawn again!

Jennifer answers:

I like to use what Mother Nature provides us, and what is available and close by.

I cut the lower limbs of largest fir trees I can find (any evergreen tree will do, such as spruce or pine).

I lay them on top of the leaves and drive the cut ends down into the soil at a slight angle, so they’re anchored but still lie flat. 

Interweaving the branches forms a tight mat and keeps my precious leaves in place all winter. 

I have noticed that the leaves I shred with the lawnmower stay in place much better than the un-shredded ones.

Read this article for more information about the benefits of using leaves as a winter mulch on the garden.