1. Winter texture
Don’t be in too much of a rush to tidy the garden away for winter. Many flowers have interesting seed heads that add texture and interest to the winter garden, particularly when combined with ornamental grasses. These also act as houses and larders for many garden birds and insects. So keep those secateurs in the shed a little longer.
2. Dry spell?
If we are lucky enough to have any dry spells make sure that camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons are well watered. Dryness now affects flowering next year. Will the wet August and September this year have a silver lining with a bumper crop of flowers next year? Something to look forward to .
3. Plants for free
Take some of those lovely brown and papery seedheads, place the seedheads for drying or shake the seeds into a paper bag and label. Finish off drying inside. Keep the bag in an airtight container, preferably in the fridge. Sow next year and you can enjoy your own mix of seedlings. Over the years I have enjoyed growing bread poppies (Papaver somniferum) which have interbred giving me a mix of colours and textures that surprise and delight me each year. Any colours I don’t like are ruthlessly pulled up and composted!
4. Wimbledon
Not quite strawberries, cream and Pimms season but plan ahead, rake out any dead or dying patches of lawn and re-seed or re-turf.
5. Raspberry smoothie
Pick raspberries and apples. Juice apples. Stick in a blender for a few seconds with a handful of raspberries. Sit down, pick up newspaper or book. Enjoy.
6. Divide and err?
Well not conquer exactly. Herbaceous perennials that look a little tired or have outgrown their space can be lifted and divided. Replant in new position or pot on for friends and family. Now is a great time to plant, the soil is still warm and as long as there is enough moisture..
7. Old boots
Its often worth tackling those perennial weeds that seem to be impossible to shake as they are most vulnerable to weedkiller now. Applying a product containing glyphosate will ensure that the roots, as well as the top growth, are killed, but don’t forget to protect your perfect plants from spray or you risk losing those as well.
8. Holey potatoes
Grab those last potatoes before the slugs do and store for later use.
9. Pondlife
Windblown leaves and debris often causes problems in ponds so think about a net over the surface of ponds to keep the pond clear. Algae and weeds love debris filled ponds.
10. Feet
As the rain increases, make sure your containers are raised on feet or pebbles keep the water draining out of pots. Wet and cold roots quickly give up the fight, especially in winter.
