As the days grow shorter and the first snows begin to settle, our gardens slow down, entering a quiet dormancy. Yet even in winter, nature is busy giving. Seeds, stalks, roots, and leaf litter continue the cycle of life, providing nourishment, shelter, and renewal. In this season of giving, we can take inspiration from nature to both observe and participate in the acts of reciprocity that sustain our ecosystems—and our communities.
Above and Below: How Nature Gives in Winter
Winter’s gifts are often subtle. Above ground, the seed heads and dried stalks of native plants provide essential resources for wildlife. Birds forage on seeds that persist through the snow, while insects and pollinators find shelter among the hollow stems and dried foliage. Rather than cutting everything back in fall, leaving some native plants standing supports these species when they need it most.
Below ground, a different kind of generosity is happening. About one-third of native perennial roots die back in winter, returning nutrients to the soil and creating channels for air and water. These root cavities reduce soil compaction and allow moisture to reach deeper layers—especially important in urban gardens, where soil can be dense and impervious. In this way, plants quietly strengthen and re-engineer the ground beneath our feet.
DIY tip: Leave some areas of your garden untouched through the winter. Standing seed heads, leaf litter, and natural debris all provide food and shelter while enriching your soil.
Seeds: Nature’s Currency
If winter is a time of giving, seeds are nature’s currency. Sharing seeds connects gardeners, preserves plant diversity, and continues the cycle of growth into the next season. Minnesota is home to vibrant seed exchange communities that make this possible:
- MN SEED Project: Empowers people through seed education, including seed collection, processing, and swap/share workshops.
- Como Community Seed Library: A mobile seed library that is based in the Como Park neighborhood of Saint Paul that shares seeds and garden education.
- Some public libraries, nature centers, and park organizations maintain seed libraries for the public to access! Thrifty Minnesota has compiled a list of free Minnesota seed libraries.
DIY tip: Collect seeds from your native perennials after they’ve matured. Dry them thoroughly, label them with the plant name and date, and store them in envelopes or jars in a cool, dry place. Then consider sharing extras with neighbors, friends, or community seed libraries. Learn more with the Seed Saving course in our online learning series!
Small Actions, Big Impact
Winter gardening doesn’t have to be complicated. Small practices can have lasting ecological benefits:
- Leave fallen leaves and mulch around perennials to protect roots and feed soil organisms.
- Plant cover crops in bare areas to prevent erosion and add nutrients.
- Create simple bird feeders to help local wildlife.
- Observe and record what’s happening in your garden—what birds are visiting? Which insects are overwintering?
Beyond outdoor tasks, you could also gift something that gives back — like a garden consultation or design from one of our Blue Thumb partners. It’s a thoughtful alternative to store-bought items, supporting local ecological businesses while helping loved ones create habitat and beauty right where they live!
Each action, no matter how small, contributes to the ongoing cycle of giving that sustains your garden and your local ecosystem.
Reflecting on Reciprocity
Nature’s giving season reminds us that even in apparent stillness, life continues to exchange, nourish, and regenerate. By observing these processes and participating in them—through seed sharing, mindful garden care, and community engagement—we honor the interconnections that sustain our gardens and our communities.
This winter, consider joining a seed swap, leaving some native plants standing, or simply noticing the subtle generosity happening all around you. The gift of giving—and receiving—can be as simple as sharing a seed or leaving a stalk for a bird. In these small acts, we become part of the ecosystem’s ongoing rhythm, carrying forward nature’s generosity into the coming year.
Related Resources
- Reading: “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Learning: Seed Saving online course created by Blue Thumb and the MN SEED Project
- Gifting Grove (Blue Thumb partner): Inspired by the gift economy, the Gifting Grove hosts and shares free events focused on exchanges, swaps, and community connection in the Twin Cities area via their Branching Out newsletter.
- Support: If you have benefited from our offerings this year, we invite you to support Metro Blooms/Blue Thumb—every gift helps this work thrive.
– Megan Reich, Metro Blooms Communications and Program Manager