Weekly Photo Challenge: Autumn Renewal

Autumn is a time of richness as nature paints exquisite jeweled hues of scarlet-crimson, vivid orange, glorious gold, warm honey amber and deep emerald green across the November trees.

They fall one by one to the soft mossy floor nourishing the soil in an endless cycle of renewal, filling the crisp morning air with a delicate fragrance reminiscent of the season.

Nature is an efficient gardener and constant recycler. The beautiful leaves that fall in the Autumn benefit the soil and wildlife. The soil breaks down the leaves into a rich, organic layer that helps support life both above and below the soil’s surface.

Leaf litter provides food and shelter for insects, worms, millipedes and spiders, which in turn gives sustenance to birds, frogs, lizards, and countless other animals.

Leaf litter slowly releases nutrients to the soil.  It acts as a mulch which suppresses weeds, helps to mitigate erosion, and lessens the need for pesticides and fertilizers. Decomposing leaves improve soil structure so that it absorbs more moisture during rains and holds the moisture better during dry spells.

The Weekly Photo Challenge is put on by The Daily Post. Every week a new and challenging challenge.

This week’s theme is RENEWAL.

What does renewal mean to you?

See how others are responding to the challenge

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal (autumninbruges.wordpress.com)

Weekly Photo Challenge : Renewal (abdulmanafphotography.wordpress.com)

Weekly Photo Challenge (renewal) (ledrakenoir.wordpress.com)

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal (lensandpensbysally.wordpress.com)

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal 2 (cardinalguzman.wordpress.com)

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal (bopaula.wordpress.com)

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal (myawakeninglife.com)

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• References & Related articles •

Seasonal Science: What Lurks in the Leaf Litter? (scientificamerican.com)

Renewing Backyard Soil–Decomposers (greenanswers.com)

Leaf mould: good for wildlife, good for the garden (guardian.co.uk)

Using leaf litter to attract birds (birding.about.com)