As winter rolls in, those dead plant stalks in your garden aren’t just leftover mess - they’re tiny winter lodges for insects! Many beneficial bugs, like solitary bees, ladybugs, beetles, and lacewings, take shelter in the hollow stems to escape the cold. By burrowing into the stalks, they can safely conserve energy and hibernate until spring blooms arrive, bringing a fresh batch of pollinators and natural pest-controllers back to our yards and parks.

So, before you tidy up, consider letting a few stalks stay until late spring! By keeping these natural shelters, you’re helping your garden’s ecosystem thrive and supporting the bugs that make our gardens bloom. This simple step keeps things cozy for these insects and gives us a beautiful, buzzing garden come spring.