Lets Get Ready For Autumn

 September is the start of autumn, and we can see the garden slowing down. 

By September Lavender has stopped flowering but the spent flowers remain on the plant. The advantage of pruning lavender in September is that it helps to keep it in a nice compact shape. 

Cut back plants that look a mess, such as Hosta, Crocosmia, Delphinium leaving in place those which still add to the border, at least for a while, which also spreads the work in the garden over the winter months. 

Autumn is the time for planting spring bulbs. It’s best to plant daffodils during September. The correct planting depth is very important to keep them flowering; too shallow and they will not flower. An easy rule of thumb is to plant the bulb 3xpreferably 4x times it’s own depth. 

It is still worth dead heading perennials and annuals, especially the late flowering ones. 

Depending on the summer, even annuals such as sweet peas may still flower and, to keep them going, continue to dead head unless you want to collect the seed.Try to get the borders weed-free over the autumn and winter and then mulch, ready for next year. If your lawn has developed bare patches, this is a good time to seed. The soil is warm and we should have rain as we move into autumn, which will help the seed to germinate and get going. 

By late September, the risk of frost is not far away and it is a good time to consider which of the tender plants are worth saving to overwinter in a frost free place.If your lawn has developed bare patches, this is a good time to seed. The soil is warm and we should have rain as we move into autumn, which will help the seed to germinate and get going.