Gardening Tips

Garden Tips for September

Although autumn unmistakably arrives this month (and aren’t the evenings dark now!), the huge availability of tender perennials means we can all ensure our gardens remain colourful for a few more weeks. Dahlias really come into their own, along with salvias, cannas and other exotics. Crocosmias, perennials asters and Japanese anemones are easy choices for colour in the border. The weather can be unsettled with rain and strong winds this month, but I live in hope of an Indian summer...!

Create a striking feature in your borders by using some plants that look good during the autumn months. One of the best plants to choose is Sedum spectabile ’Brilliant’ which produces masses of flat, bright pink flower-heads on upright stems with succulent, glaucous leaves. Grow sedums in full sun in a well-drained soil and divide every few years to improve flowering. Other plants which are also good at this time of year include ornamental grasses, heleniums and Michaelmas daisies and we are getting in some lovely scented cyclamens for bright autumn into winter colour. Come and see our selection at Holme-Grown.

Essential Jobs Checklist for September

• Buy spring bulbs for next year, we have a big selection !

Handy Hint : When planting daffodils in containers it’s worth planting two layers of bulbs, slightly staggered one above the other. This will ensure a spectacular display. Plant the bulbs deeply enough to allow you to plant winter and spring bedding, such as winter pansies, primroses, polyanthus and wallflowers on top. We can supply all you need, or buy some of our ready-made planters!

• Plant up patio pots or borders with Erysimum, more commonly known as wallflowers, for a cheery spring show. Although they can be grown on their own, try planting tall-growing tulip bulbs in a contrasting colour first and planting the wallflowers over the top. The tulips will then grow up through them to provide an extra layer of height and colour

• Plant prepared bulbs for Christmas flowering, don’t delay, buy from us today!

• Dead-head roses and trim back tall stems

• Harvest sweetcorn and onions

• Rake lawn to remove debris and apply autumn dressing

• Continue to plant containerised trees and shrubs

• Keep feeding fish in ponds

• Sow new lawns, the rainy weather will help them grow away well.

• Put plant supports around tall, late-flowering perennials to prevent them from being damaged by autumn winds.

• Give evergreen hedges a final trim to ensure they are neat for the winter

• Sweet pea lovers may find that sowing seed in autumn produces stronger plants