September is an enjoyable but sad time with autumn starting to show is colours. The light starts to change as the sun gets lower in the sky, growth seems to slow yet colour continues to fill the garden. It’s a time where we can reflect on what we have achieved this year and what to do differently or even better next year. Though the end of summer is coming it is time to think forward and plan for the spring with bulbs readily available everywhere we look. Rather than be saddened by the end of summer think of what is now to come. The stunning colours of autumn foliage and the wonderful spring bulbs that will soon be here to lift our spirits should help to pass the end of summer blues.

Bulbs

If you haven’t already started to purchase spring bulbs there is still time to do so, though the later you leave it the less choice there may be with the most popular varieties being sold out. Hyacinths can also be planted for bringing on to flower for Christmas, by planting in pots and placing in a dark, cool place keeping moist but not wet. Once shoots have developed to between 1”- 2” they can be brought into the light in a warmer spot preferably on a windowsill.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/09/13 | Permalink to this article

General Gardening

Dead heading is still required to keep beds and containers looking good until the frosts unless you wish to collect seed for growing on.

Bring bushes that have put on a lot of growth this year back into shape using secateurs. Clear away and fading foliage from the borders to keep them looking tidy through this month. Keep on top of weeds to reduce the risk of them self seeding, increasing the amount of work youll have to do next year.

Herbaceous perennials that have outgrown there place, can be divided now and the planting of spring bulbs can begin. If your not planning to move herbaceous plants until they have died back, mark them with a cane as it’s easy to forget which ones you were going to do after they have died back.

Clear out excessive weed in ponds to increase light as they will have put on a large amount of growth through the season.

Feed bulbs that are coming to their end with a liquid feed to encourage healthy bulb and flower development for next years display.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/09/10 | Permalink to this article

Hedges

Like lawns hedges growth should be slowing down requiring less frequent cutting so bring in line any untidy hedges. Taking cuttings if required for planting in gaps come the spring.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/09/10 | Permalink to this article

Lawncare in September

Lawns will soon be slowing down allowing you to extend the times between cutting. The next couple of months are a good time to start laying new turf and sowing lawns from seed. Patching of well trodden areas of lawn can also now be patched with seed or replacement turf and edges re-shaped.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/09/10 | Permalink to this article

Cuttings

Continue to take cuttings of plants you would like to increase for next year whiolst there is still time to do so.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/09/10 | Permalink to this article