Fallen leaves on the soil

[Orissiah]

If I leave them where they fall (on the soil and on parts of our lawn) will they do any harm as they rot, will they nourish the soil/lawn, or should I rake them all up?

They're fine on the soil, but will go a bit manky on your lawn, so you're better to rake them off that if you can face it.

OK on soil. Not OK on lawn except in very small quantities - a layer of leaves will kill the lawn underneath and it won't recover till growth starts again next spring.

Many thanks! Okay, it's out with the rake for the lawn then :-)

And make really good leaf compost with them; put in a plastic bag with a few small holes in damp them and leave for a yr. Bingo! free compost!!very good for cyclamen.