IT’S NOW BLOOMIN’ GREATER!
As well as that, a lot of you asked for more informative articles about the colours in your garden at different times of year and that you would like more suggestions about what you can do with your plot. And remember, if for some reason we can’t get Bloomin’ Great to you - or if your friends would like to read it first hand, then they can online at https://www.angelfire.com/tv2/bloomingreat/.
There is also our E-mail address which gives you the chance to convey your thoughts and feelings and enables you to ask a question about your garden or a gardenning issue you’re concerned about - get in touch now on: bloomingreat@postmaster.co.uk
October is one of the busiest months in the garden - a time for planning preparation and decision.........
(Paul Tovey)
And quite de-light-fall!
....OCTOBER is a month of falling leaves and falling temperatures, but warm spells often occur. The hazy autumn sunshine lights up the garden in a spectacular way as shades of russet, amber and scarlet start to glow with intensity. Amelanchiers and Acers, with their vivid shades will soon warm you up on a chilly misty morning. Rose hips and Cotoneaster berries are almost a natural alternative to the fabulous Blackpool and Walsall illuminations - you can have your very own display of little lights.
This is an amazingly busy month in the garden, as virtually all lawns are crying out for vital attention, if they are to look good next year. And, after all, they are often a major part of the garden, but often so neglected. There are plenty of plants available for autumn and winter colour - prolong this display by adding a vast array of spring bulbs. October is the time for the present, but also for the future. The tenth is a pivotal month!
Make sure your garden stays warm this winter!
I beg your garden!
Garden 1: The Cottage Garden - A plot with plants that are not particularly disciplined but still provide plenty of colour and interest. Bedding plants should be excluded and the emphasis placed on herbaceous plants, exotic bulbs and shrubs with a brief flowering season - for the early part of the year, Hellebores and Pulmonarias can be followed by Myosotis (Forget-me-nots) and Wallflowers. The starry globes of Alliums look great with Campanulas.
Garden 2: The spring bulb display - This springs into action as early as late January, as snow drops and winter aconites push through the bare earth, rapidly followed by Crocus and Narcissi as spring arrives. Next in line are Tulips and Frittilarias to provide the best drama of the season.
Garden 3: The Medditerranean garden - Herbs tend to spring to mind and these can be combined with Yuccas, Cistus, Caryopteris, Ceratostigmas, Helianthemum and Hebes. All of these plants revel in dry, sunny conditions. They are all summer or early autumn flowering plants.
Garden 4: The Rock garden - This should provide all year round interest, with a number of tufted evergreens - such as Sempervivums and Saxifragas, the latter producing a mass of slightly scented spring flowers. For an autumn glow, choose Cyclamen, Solidagos and Gentians, combined with autumn crocus.
Garden 5: The winter garden - The emphasis here lies mainly in the stems of Cornus (Dogwoods), Silver Birch and Mahonias. These can be underplanted with Erica Carneas (winter flowering heathers), ornamental Kale and Violas. Mahonias will provide a splash of yellow scented flowers at the end of the year.
These suggestions are not set in stone and you can mix and match, pick and choose the aspects of each garden to give yours the appearance that you really want at any time of the year.
In most cases that is not the case. On heavy clay soils, use a higher ratio of silver sand. On very light , starved soils a greater ratio of peat will be needed. Whatever the texture of your lawn soil, around 3kg of bonemeal should be added per 50 square metres. In our dry October this year, a good watering may be necessary.
1. Grass clippings tend to break down poorly on their own, so adding autumn leaves and bulky waste such as old stems will help your mix.
2. Running the mower over leaves will help to shred and and collect them - quickening the composting process.
3. Dry waste will be reluctant to decay, whereas a soggy heap will rot and smell. The perfect compost is kept just moist - mix accordingly.
In November, we’ll explore Chrysanthemums firework displays of and re-designing your cottage garden borders as well as a comprehensive list of spring bulbs to make your mouth water.
See you next month!
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