It can be tempting to stay tucked away inside as the days shorten and winter approaches. I try to fight the urge to hibernate and instead plan autumnal walks in the local Gloucestershire countryside or make plans to potter about in my garden. It’s a beautiful time of year to get out, especially when the days are crisp and cold.
I watch as the plant growth in my garden slows and the last of the deciduous flowers and foliage fade and quietly die back. The plant roots of these plants will remain dormant below the soil until they feel the weather is sufficiently warm for them to start putting out new growth again. It is this cyclical natural of plants and gardening that I love so much. There is always something to look forward to and always something to enjoy right at this moment.
I'm currently appreciating the plants in my garden that are still putting on a show. The Persicaria will continue flowering until the first decent frost and I have some happy little Geranium 'Patricia' whose pretty cerise flowers are cheerily going on and on. The Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’ is still decked out with a smattering of mauve flowers. These pretty wallflowers are quite short lived, usually only lasting 2 or 3 years. They're easy to propagate from cuttings and so I maintain a continuous stock year on year. The grey green semi-evergreen foliage contrasts well against other perennials and is useful for winter interest too.
There is an idea that the garden shuts down over winter, but we forget about the life we cannot see and the ongoing plant processes that continue even as plants move into dormancy. There are so many microscopic garden creatures that we know very little about. Hidden in the soil or nestled in and among our garden plants. All of these creatures play a vital part in our garden ecosystems and it's important to allow them to thrive.
A gentle touch in the Autumn garden, and throughout the whole gardening year, will allow more space for the natural processes of our garden ecosystems to continue. Resisting the urge to clear up all the leaves and cut back dead foliage will provide continued habitat for lots of hibernating insects and other garden animals. Standing foliage also provides structural interest in the garden over the winter months and creates something beautiful to look at, especially when covered in winter frost.
Some garden tasks for the next few months:
Plant allium, tulip, crocus and daffodil bulbs. When choosing bulb varieties look at species and cultivars that will return year on year and ideally choose bulbs that are not only pretty to look at but that also add value for garden wildlife. Alliums for example are an excellent source of pollen and nectar for honeybees, long and short tongued bumblebees and solitary bees too. Crocus flowers are an excellent source of early pollen when not much else is available.
In the vegetable garden, October and November are a good time for planting garlic as the cloves need a period of cold before shooting into growth in the spring, ready for harvesting in the summer.
Broad beans can also be planted now for overwintering outdoors for early spring growth.
Clear away and compost plants from the vegetable garden that have come to the end of their lifespan. Think about any changes you want to make to your vegetable garden for next year and what you will need to do to ensure the beds are ready for the arrival of spring.
Do a seed stock stake. What are you planning on growing next year? Do you need to top up your seed stocks? Can any seeds be shared or given away?
Mulch your vegetable garden with a good layer of last year’s home made compost or add peat free compost if you don’t have your own. This feeds the soil in preparation for next years growing.
Tidy your potting shed and greenhouse. As sowings are limited at this time of year, now is the perfect time to clean pots, tidy away those that you are not currently using and recycle/re-home any that are no longer usable.
Weed. As growth slows now is a good time to get on top of the more stubborn and overly competitive garden weeds. I allow a lot of wildflowers to grow in my garden. Plants like Forget-me-nots and plantain all have a place. But I do pull up highly competitive plants such as dock and bramble which are likely to out-compete other plants if left to their own devices.
Keep your bird feeders and water baths topped up and remember to clean both feeders and bird baths regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
If you are considering adding any extra trees or shrubs to your garden now is an excellent time to purchase bare root plants for planting.
Comments