Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden has shared a video on social media, urging people not to clear away all the leaves in their garden, as they are “not just garden clutter”
The season is shifting, and all those stunning orange autumn leaves are tumbling, leaving the trees bare and the leaves strewn on the ground. The thought of clearing all the leaves in your garden can be daunting, and without a tool to assist, it can feel even more overwhelming. However, there’s good news for those who haven’t yet tackled a major leaf clearance, as Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden has encouraged you to let those leaves be.
Deborah, who has a strong interest in the environment and sustainability, follows a plant-based diet and enjoys investing in eco-friendly businesses, such as Fussy, a vegan, cruelty-free deodorant brand that is free from aluminium and parabens.
On her official TikTok page, she referred to the leaves as “absolute gold,” as she picked them up and presented them to the camera.
“Do you know so many people clear all of the leaves up out of their garden? But this, it’s really good for the garden,” she asserted.
Deborah then suggested that you can “put it on the compost heap, use it for mulch, keep your roots warm in the winter”.
But she then stated that the “big thing” for her is to aid “wildlife and insects” during the colder months.
She said: “If you can leave a pile of leaves, it’s a fantastic food for wildlife and insects so, you know…”
Deborah then sniffed the leaves, declaring them “delicious,” and jokingly added: “I know that sounds weird”.
She captioned her video: “I know… I look a bit too happy holding a pile of leaves! But before you rush to clear them away, it’s worth remembering they’re not just garden clutter.
“They give wildlife a place to shelter, feed the soil, and help keep everything in balance over winter”.
Fallen leaves are a valuable addition to a compost heap as they provide essential carbon, which helps balance nitrogen-rich materials like food scraps and grass clippings.
They’re excellent for mulch as they help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients as they break down. Leaves act as an insulating layer on the soil, trapping warmth and protecting plant roots from freezing winter temperatures.
Throughout winter, fallen leaves create a protective blanket on the ground that offers shelter and warmth for various forms of wildlife, including insects, spiders, and small mammals, helping them survive harsh conditions.
Numerous species use leaf litter as a safe place to hide from predators or to hibernate.
As leaves break down, they become a valuable food source for decomposers, including earthworms, beetles, and fungi, which in turn support the broader food chain by providing nourishment for birds and other creatures.
In the comments, someone wrote: “Yes, Deborah, say it louder for the people at the back”.
“What she’s saying is, the best things in life are free,” another penned.