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Colorful autumn crab apple leaves watercolor painting by Minnesota artist Kristin Maija Peterson — in praise of leaf litter for hibernating insects
autumn crab apple tree leaves fine art print with white border
Bright pink, orange, and lavender autumn crab apple tree leaves watercolor print framed, hanging on stucco wall above wooden shelves displaying home goods
autumn crab apple tree leaves limited edition certificate of authenticity, signed and numbered by Kristin Maija Peterson

Cradling

Price range: $125.00 through $285.00

To the bumblebee queen, our neighborhood looks like a cold, shelterless void. Everyone has raked up all their tree leaves, leaving no place for her to hibernate. She is not alone. So many insects depend on leaf litter to hunker down and survive the freezing winter months. Think of the butterfly chrysalises and the moth cocoons, like our beloved Woolly Bear.

Others make leaf litter, like this swirling pile of autumn crab apple leaves, their hibernation home, too, such as worms, mites, millipedes, and spiders, which are a food source for other animals. Leaving some or all of your leaves until spring helps biodiversity and the balance of wild spaces.

Prints are sold unframed. Please see the fine art print details below.

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Description

IN PRAISE OF LEAF LITTER

Sometimes we need a nudge, a permission slip to let parts of our yards rewild. It can be as simple as leaving a pile of crab apple tree leaves to stay put over the winter instead of raking them. The queen bee will thank you. As will many other beneficial insects who depend on the bright swirl of autumn leaves to survive the winter.

MUSEUM-QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP

Each print is produced using museum-grade giclée printing on Hahnemühle German Etching Giclée paper that complements the texture of the original watercolor. The signed, limited edition print features a subtle white border for easy handling and framing.

MADE TO BE CHERISHED 
• Limited edition watercolor art print — exclusively produced in small quantities
• Available in Variable Sizes: 10 x 10, 12 x 12, 16 x 16, 20 x 20, with a 1-inch white border for easy handling and framing.
• Premium archival matte paper — Hahnemühle German Etching Giclée paper
• Signed by the artist with her unique circle K signature for authentication
• Nature’s color palette at its best

PERFECT FOR:
• Enhancing serene spaces like living rooms, reading nooks, or bedrooms
• Thoughtful gifts for nature lovers, art collectors, environmental enthusiasts
• Pairing with minimalist or natural wood frames for a gallery-style display

WHY PEOPLE LOVE Cradling
Cradling isn’t just a print — it’s about taking care of the natural order of things in your immediate environment and caring for those that live there. It’s about creating a mindset that letting a little bit of our yard go wild is a good and beautiful thing to do.

SHIPPING & QUALITY DETAILS

Your print is carefully and attentively created to order. Prints up to 11″ × 14″ are shipped flat with protective backing and a rigid mailer; larger sizes are rolled in quality tissue and shipped in a sturdy tube. Free U.S. shipping is included. Depending on your location, please anticipate 7-10 days for your print to arrive. As soon as your print is sent, you will receive a tracking number by email. Fine art prints are drop-shipped.

ORDERING / REFUND POLICY: More information about payment, ordering, shipping, and refunds is on our Shop FAQs page.

Additional information

Size

12x12in, 14x14in, 18x18in, 22x22in

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