Phew, what a summer, not without its challenges and in some cases disappointments. Our gardens are not used to the baking hot weather and in many areas beige coloured lawns have become the norm, they will however recover and as the cooler, wetter weather arrives so the lawns will start their recovery. It’s amazing just how resilient they are. By next spring they will have returned to their fresh green colour. It is true our environment is changing and that we have to adapt our gardens to suit. Save and collect water if you can, mulch your soil with garden compost or well rotted manure, an annual mulch on your flower and shrub borders will help the soil retain more moisture as the compost creates a sponge like texture good for retaining nutrients too.
If your lawn is still very dry, postpone the application of autumn fertilisers until next month, as applying dry fertiliser to a dry lawn will scorch the lawn and damage the roots, so wait until the lawn has had a good deal of rain before applying. It wont be a catastrophe if you don’t apply an autumn fertiliser this year as the lawn will survive without it.
Traditionally we start bulb planting this month (daffodils and crocus) although it is best to leave tulips and hyacinths until next month, as summer bedding plants fade they can be replaced but bear in mind you will have to water them if the soil is dry. If you are planning to buy bulbs from a local garden centre or nursery, make sure they are in good condition, not sprouting, soft or with patches of mould, but firm and dry. Once planted they will start to grow immediately, establishing a good root system through the next month or so, before sending up their shoots and flowers next spring. If you do have a greenhouse then you could sow winter varieties of salad leaves to grow in pots or in the greenhouse border, these will provide fresh salad leaves over the winter months.
A pond or water feature in a garden can add character and help wildlife, the sound of gently trickling water can be quite relaxing. The first thing to consider, especially if you have a young family is safety and it is perhaps best if you wait until they are a little older, but shallow containers placed around the garden will help hedgehogs, frogs and other wildlife that will in turn keep your slug and snail population down. I usually put a few small woody twigs in the containers which enable butterflies and bees to take a drink too. As with most things in the garden the more elaborate and multifunctional (fountain or cascade) features you incorporate the more expensive it will be, although with a little creative imagination can turn an old half barrel or plastic drum into a perfectly functional small pond. It’s a great idea to have a chat with a neighbour or friend who already has a pond to get an idea as to what is involved as the construction is one thing, but regular maintenance is also required throughout the year.
I started my gardening career fifty years ago and just like most lifestyle industries fashion seems to repeat itself. House-plants have seen a resurgence of interest, partly driven by the fact that not all of us have gardens or the time to look after them, but recognise the value of having plants around. They are good for us, both mentally and physically, providing an air of calm, and producing oxygen during daylight hours. The majority of the house-plants we buy are from tropical or sub-tropical continents where the climate provides high humidity, and our centrally heated homes can be a little dry so to help reduce the risk of the leaf edges going brown and crispy, place them in a plant pot saucer half filled with pea gravel. Keeping the pea gravel moist will provide a little humidity around the plant a little like their natural habitat.
Happy gardening,
Martin
Next month, collecting fallen leaves, looking after tender plants and planting garlic.
