In recent years, we have experienced changes each season and are learning to ‘go with the flow’ – gardening with the conditions rather than against them. Trying to carry on with the expected ‘normal’ can result in disappointment and frustration in the garden, so we soldier on, accepting changes is the way forward. This year is no different. Whilst we have enjoyed an unusually hot and dry summer with little rain, it did result in brown lawns and difficulty maintaining borders trying to keep everything watered. As the summer fades and we approach autumn, it’s difficult to predict how the growing season will proceed. Nevertheless, jobs still need to be done to prepare for the months ahead.
There’s lots to do in the coming weeks – here are a just few jobs to be getting on with:
Hanging baskets and planters will be starting to look tired and can be replanted for a colourful autumn display. Choose some evergreen perennials – ajuga, sage, heathers and curry plant – these can be teamed up with brightly-coloured violas, pansies and cyclamen for a refreshing look. Underplant with early flowering bulbs like small iris, crocus and muscari – they will appear during early spring, adding a surprising burst of new colour during the winter months. For larger plants, choose chrysanthemum and skimmia.
Heather provide winter colour in hanging baskets or planters
Tidying the flower borders can smarten up the garden for the season. Shape lavender bushes, shrubs and evergreen perennials to keep compact and neat, this will prevent them becoming ‘woody’ next year. Try to keep some structural plants intact. For example, grasses will look good throughout the coming months if left – just a light ‘combing’ will leave them to provide shelter for wildlife as the temperatures drop. Cut perennials back to the ground once they have finished flowering. Take cuttings and collect seed if you would like to grow more of your favourites. If the temperatures continue to be warm, their root systems will continue to develop for strong, healthy plants next year. After weeding the beds, mulch well – this will help with moisture retention and keeps weed seed from germinating. Create an area to collect grass clippings, leaves and plant trimmings. This can be a heap in the corner or if you prefer, a simple wooden structure made from pallet wood or boards will do the same job. Don’t forget to include the contents of your summer hanging baskets and planters, too. As this breaks down, use to mulch around perennials and shrubs for an extra layer of protection in the colder spells over winter.
Traditionally, now is the time to plant perennials and shrubs. The ground is still warm and ideal to help root systems to establish quickly before the temperatures drop. It’s also a good time to move plants to different positions as the root systems are dormant and will not be disturbed or damaged.
It’s not too late to plant some edibles for a winter harvest. Sow winter hardy lettuce, spring onion and spinach seed to enjoy in the coming months. For October/November planting consider garlic, onion sets and shallots. Broad bean and pea seed can also be sown for an early crop in the spring. If you plan to improve the soil in your vegetable plots and raised beds, now is the time to sow green manure seed. Choose winter tares, field beans, rye or a winter mix – depending on your needs, they will help improve soil structure, balance nutrients and break down heavy ground during winter. Leave until spring when they can be dug into the ground to rot down. Harvest the last of tomatoes to make chutneys, soups and sauces to freeze, ready to enjoy out of season. Chillies can be dried for flaking, jam and sauce making too.
Winter hardy lettuceIt’s time to take care of your lawn
And finally, a focus on the lawn. Whether you need to turf a new area or repair your existing lawn, autumn is the ideal time. Turf will require watering regularly if the weather remains dry. If you are repairing a lawn and patching, rake and use a lawn dressing or topsoil to fill any holes. There are weed, feed and seed treatments to choose from or a seed mixture to scatter and rake in. Try to carry out after a shower of rain or when the area is damp to avoid watering as the seed may be washed into uneven groups.
Whatever you decide to do this autumn, be guided by the weather and be mindful of choosing the order in which to carry out jobs. . . but most all, enjoy the time spent in the garden!
PLANT OF THE MONTH – Cyclamen persicum
Cyclamen persicum
Winter hardy varieties provide a bright, colourful display of white, pinks, red and purple-toned flowers. Ideal for hanging baskets and planters. Distinctive marbled, heart-shaped leaves add an attractive look to the winter garden. Choose a well-drained sheltered position in the borders where they will be protected from heavy rain. Other varieties include large flowered indoor plants and for naturalising choose coum or hederifolium with their small delicate flowers of white and shades of pink – they provide low growing ground cover, ideal under trees and sheltered areas.
EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS
September 22 -Bulb lasagne workshop
September 25 – MacMillan Coffee morning
October 5-6 – Autumn hanging basket/planter
Visit our website for further details and booking.
Growing for more than 60 years
RHN Plant Centre and Farm Shop, Colethorpe Lane, Barrow IP29 5BE
Call 01359 270577
See rhn.me.uk
Comments are closed.