Just when I thought it was safe to venture out into the garden, the rain and wind arrive, thank goodness for my greenhouse and potting shed, where I can take the opportunity to check over my indoor plants and tidy up. Throughout the spring and summer months I am in and out of the potting shed, taking cuttings, potting seedlings, and generally refreshing plants with new compost or just trying to revive a rather sorry looking plant. It’s no different to anyone who collects things, there is nothing more satisfying than checking that they are all ok and still in good order. After all, the reason for collecting is to enjoy what you have assembled and in my case it is plants, both in the garden and in the greenhouses.
As we wave goodbye to autumn, we prepare for winter and usually an even more unpredictable weather pattern. We know it is getting colder and quite likely more rain, stronger winds and dare I say it, the possibility of Snow. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling a little down so get that kettle on and make a hot brew, and spend a little time relaxing and viewing the garden from inside.
Pruning is one of those tasks that can seem quite daunting, many plants requiring attention at different times of year. Most of the books take the approach that you are pruning an already managed plant with the intention of controlling its size and hopefully encouraging it to flower well. This is usually the intention with roses, which are fairly robust plants and will perform well on most soils. The vast majority are the product of grafting or budding which means they have a rootstock different to the flowering part. The roots providing strength, vigour and hopefully good health whilst the stems and flowers deliver the rewards of colourful and in most cases scented blooms. The main pruning period for roses is late winter to early spring but at this time of year it is a good idea to thin and reduce Hybrid Tea and Floribunda types which seem to be more susceptible to wind damage. Often their top growth is quite heavy and the root system is unable to anchor itself adequately, so reducing and thinning the top growth by about one third will help avoid the risk of the plant blowing over or worse still snapping.
Wet and muddy lawns can be a problem during the winter months although with the amount of rain we have experienced this year means it could be a problem any time of year. For most gardens a lawn is seen as a space to relax or for the younger members of the family to let off steam. Over the year they can be subject to quite regular and intense traffic causing compaction and wear. Whilst water-logging can be a frustration it doesn’t necessarily mean yo need an elaborate drainage solution, indeed most of the compaction can be resolved with a garden fork or for larger areas a spiking machine from your local hire shop, particularly if it is something that only occurs after heavy rain. If on the other hand it is a constant problem then it is best to seek some advice from a professional. If it tends to be in certain areas then try relieving the compaction by pushing a garden fork in to about half its length every 10 -15cm (4 to 6 inches) over the problem area. Brushing in a little river sand to fill the holes would help improve drainage too.
Every year we buy a few bulbs, both for the garden and for pot displays, you can choose cultivars that will provide colour from January through to late April, early May. By now most of the garden centres and nurseries will be selling off late season stock at reduced prices so its a good time to bag a bargain. If the bulbs you purchase are firm and dry, maybe signs of a little shoot they will still be fine to plant. Narcissus (daffodils), crocus, muscari and the like will recover and if planted in the garden will settle and flower in subsequent years. We do not replant tulips in the garden as they are less likely to establish as well as other bulbs, but if you have the space it’s worth trying as they may last a further couple of years. It is also getting a little late to plant autumn bedding plants but if the weather is mild then they should be fine, pansies, violas, wallflowers, polyanthus, primulas, double daisies and forget-me-nots are usually available from your local garden centre or nursery to plant now. The will slowly settle in and start flowering next spring although pansies, violas and polyanthus/primroses are often in flower when you purchase them.
Happy Gardening,
Martin
Next month, (looking after plants at Christmas, buying real Christmas trees, winter vegetables).
