This month brings a change in season as autumn approaches, the leaves start to turn golden and the temperature starts to drop. There’s plenty to keep you busy in the garden this September, so don’t feel you have to sacrifice the alfresco living you’ve become accustomed to over the summer…
Lawn maintenance
Rake, aerate and apply autumn fertiliser
Borders
Filling any gaps with late-flowering perennials, such as Sedum spectabile (Ice Plant), Asters, Calluna vulgaris (Heather) and Echinacea will provide a late summer nectar source for pollinating insects into autumn
Perennials
This is a good time to plant new perennials, while the weather is still gentle and the soil warm. They will put down good roots over winter and give a good display next summer.
Keep them watered
Camellias and Rhododendrons need to be kept well-watered to ensure that next year’s buds develop well.
A natural death
Leaving seed heads, on plants such as thistles and sunflowers, and allowing vegetation to die back naturally, provides food and shelter for birds through the coldest months.
Hanging Baskets
A little deadheading, watering and feeding can keep them going until mid-autumn
Spring Bulbs
Planting Snowdrops, Crocus, Anemone, Daffodils, Tulips, Lily of the Valley, Hyacinth, Bluebells, Winter Aconite, Lilies, Iris and Allium from mid-September will provide colour throughout the spring
Pond care
A pond is a great asset to any garden making a focal point and attracting all kinds of wildlife. Autumn maintenance includes removing fallen leaves and other decaying plant material. Leave this at the side of the pond for a couple of days to allow creatures to return to the pond. Putting netting across ponds will stop autumn leaves falling in and rotting
Harvest autumn raspberries
Pick on a dry day as wet berries will quickly deteriorate when picked. Raspberries are best used and eaten immediately for the intense flavour. If you do want to freeze them, the slightly unripe raspberries are best for this. We have a fabulous recipe for Raspberry Jam we think you’ll love – put your pickings to use and read our how to make your own here.
Harvest onions
Onions are ready to harvest when the leaves fold over. Lift them on a sunny day and let them dry, then brush them off and store them. Who doesn’t love a warming onion tart? We’ve sourced a recipe for the ‘ultimate’ onion tart and we just had to share it with you. Read here to find out how to make the impressive pastry creation.
