Admire
Autumn’s delicate bulbs, such as golden lycoris, pink or white belladonna lilies and storm lilies (autumn crocus, Zephyranthes) are reliable
friends in the garden.
Green up
Spread fertiliser evenly over the lawn for a green boost through autumn.
Plant
Pot up a container of spring-flowering tulips, or, for a longer display, combine Dutch iris and freesias.
Have you discovered the ‘Mystic’ dwarf dahlias with dark plum-coloured leaves? We love them planted up with dwarf salvias.
Plant punnets of winter-flowering annuals for colour in the cool season. In dappled shade try cineraria, pansy and viola; in full sun go for poppies; and
in pots choose polyanthus. Go to page 52 for more on growing these treasures.
Feed
Treat the entire garden to a topping of organic fertiliser to revitalise soil and add essential elements and good bacteria.
Sow
Love-in-a-mist, foxglove, petunia and paper daisy and spring flowers easily grown from seed sown in situ now.
Prune
Trim geranium and pelargonium by cutting stems back by one-third.
Stake
Offer support to taller growing dahlias.
Improve
Break up clay soils by adding gypsum and clay breaker to hard clay areas. Additional cow manure will help attract worms to do some of the hard work and
speed the process.
Last chance
Dig and divide clumps of tall bearded iris. This will revitalise them and encourage more flowers. Plant with rhizome on top of soil.
Text: Linda Ross