Fall Cleanup???

This past fall I began the first stages of creating new planting beds for next spring.  In my mind I could see the tall sun-loving plants that would provide color and habitat for all the birds and animals.  So inspired was I that I "planted" the stems of the asters, goldenrod and iron weed growing elsewhere in my yard.  I cut the stems and stuck them into the ground around the shepherds' crooks holding the bird feeders.  For a couple months they provided perches for the birds coming to the feeders, as well as natural food in their seeds.  My neighbor laughed to see my planting dead stalks in the lawn, but they have served their purpose.  Now, after the snow falls and squirrels have had their way with them they are mostly broken off, but they serve as a promise of plants to come.