I try and tell some people to do this very thing every fall but for some reason they want finished compost. Go figure.

I think a mix of shredded leaves and grass clippings is almost the perfect addition to a fall garden up here.

Lloyd

I'm using some partially composted stuff, mixing with more new fallen leaves. I need space in the bins, way to much garden waste at this time of year.

My problems with spreading leaves or chopped up plants is that more blow away then stay home in winter.

Karen

I put down shredded leaves too, I used a sprinkling of wood chips that I also got at the compost site to hold down most of the leaves and if your lucky enough to get pine needles they keep the shredded leaves from blowing away.

Got some more chopped leaves today - my old digs are starting to produce quite the score. :O)

Lloyd,
It's amazing how many people I get visiting the gardens every year that ask what is the secret to grow everything so well. I tell them, but they don't believe me and keep putting those leaves out for me to pick-up... Dah... I've never used manure and always functioned with the thought that more carbons = better perennials and shrubs.

Karen,
I am mixing a bit of old compost in some of the mulch too but don't have that much. Actually it's all gone. You are so right in 'needing compost space, too much much garden waste this time of year.'

I do get quite the winds here but for some reason everything stays put. :O)

I have three old bins that are starting to fall apart which would leave me with a large one and a smaller one. I may just do with those and continue on with the mixing things for the mulch and amendment in the future. So much easier!

I would say the only bad thing would be losing a lot of the material to wind, but otherwise, that is a fine idea. Though I am such a compost junkie, that I love to play mad scientist and mix everything up and see it cook.