Getting the garden ready for winter involves many important garden chores. Tender and half hardy plants (such as pelargoniums, Dahlias and Cannas) need to be lifted and brought inside. Perennials that have been in the ground for 3 years or so, may need dividing, and Spring and Summer-flowering shrubs can be pruned. Do not prune Winter-flowering shrubs or plants that produce winter berries as you will inhibit their performance. Clear up leaves as they fall, to deter slugs, snails and fungal infections, and rake them off grass as soon as possible to prevent brown patches forming. Cut down herbaceous perennials that no longer look attractive and that will not look good enhanced by frost. Once weeded and put in order, beds should be mulched and lawns aerated and given an Autumn feed.

The Autumn is an excellent time for planting, and trees, shrubs and hardy perennials planted in the Autumn, will get a head start because they can spend the colder months directing their energies into root formation, to boost a better show above ground next year. Do remember to water new plants, particularly evergreen and winter-flowering plants about to perform.

Now is the time for Spring Bulb planting, although tulips could benefit from being planted in November, to reduce the risk of fungal infection in warm, wet soil. Bulbs are one of the first plants to flower at the beginning of the year. From snowdrops and winter aconites in January, to daffodils and crocus through February and March, to Tulips and Alliums in late Spring and early summer, there is a bulb to give splashes of colour and form. They are very good value, and have instant impact, and particularly in a small garden. Most bulbs are very suited to growing in pots, and can be more easily protected from slugs, snails and squirrels!

Happy Gardening!

Anne Fraser and Caroline Streets

07729 835988 & 07930 876348

www.plantinggems.co.uk

plantinggems@hotmail.co.uk