October in the Garden
| Published: 15th October 2007 00:29 |
The season of mellow fruitfulness is upon us and as the misty and damp mornings cover the garden like a duvet, bright jewels shine through to remind us of the colour that is still available during the shorter days to come.
This month we shall be taking a look at what is looking at its best and how to create the horticultural equivalent of a spectacular firework display. Of course, all the plants featured will be hardy and suitable for our soil conditions. This swan song also reminds us that the garden must be prepared not only for the winter but all the seasons to come.
Jobs for October
Soil preparation
In beds and borders, it is a good time to replenish all the goodness taken out by a strong growing season. Impoverished soil should be fed and the structure of our heavy clay will also benefit by the addition of homemade compost. If possible, work it into the top of the soil and it will make the soil more fertile, drain better as well as being easier to work. Well rotted manure can also be added, but beware of fresh manure that can scorch plants. If you can't dig it into the soil, using compost as a top mulch is also a viable alternative and there is a growing trend to garden without digging. If your soil is particularly claggy, try adding pea-sized grit to the top 15cm of soil to open up air spaces for improved drainage. If you don't have the luxury of your own compost, firstly, I would strongly recommend that you start making it, and if this is not possible, use spent mushroom compost, composted bark or any organic mulch. The addition of bone meal to the soil at the time of planting will help the new plant to establish a good root season, ready for next spring.
Lawn repair
You shouldn't be mowing quite so often, but for a healthy lawn, now is the time to invest in some hard work. There are a number of terms that confuse, so a short explanation and their practical application should set you on your way.
Scarifying is a vigorous raking to remove the thatch (accumulated layer of organic debris at the grass roots.) Use a springtine rake and work in both directions and you'll be amazed at how much moss and rubbish is pulled out. You can hire scarifying machines for larger areas or employ the services of a lawn treatment company.
Aerating is slitting or spiking you lawn to relieve compaction. Fortunately, it only needs doing every few years, unless the lawn is subject to a lot of traffic. Aerate when the scarifying is finished and the ground is soft enough to get a fork into it. Push the fork into the ground to a minimum of 10cm and lift to add air necessary for root growth.
Hollow-tining is the same process but using a hollow-tine aerator, which looks like a fork but removes plugs of compacted soil. These can be filled with topdressing. This comprises of 3 parts sandy loam, 6 parts sharp sand, 1 part peat substitute. Don't worry if it spills, as it can be used to cover the whole lawn every three years at a rate of 2kg per square meter.
Feeding the lawn simply involves spreading a proprietary autumn feed, high in phosphate and low in nitrogen, before topdressing. Follow the packet instructions to avoid scorching the lawn.
- Patch seed or turf any holes that have appeared as required.
- Cut back finished herbaceous planting and clear summer bedding.
- Continue to plant bulbs and plant up winter containers.
- Harvest apples, pears, leeks, potatoes.
- Lift and store dahlias and bring in pelargoniums and other tender plants before the first frosts.
- Collect and compost leaves to keep the lawn clear so that it receives maximum light.
- Plant shrubs and order bare root roses for November planting.
Autumn colour Top Five
Callicarpa bodinieri (Upto2m x 2m) Bright purple berries and buttery yellow leaves, needs a sunny site.
Cotoneaster figidus ‘Fructu Luteo' (Upto 6m x 6m). This large shrub/ small tree has bold foliage and white flowers in the summer and fantastic yellow autumn berries that last well.
Cotinus ‘Flame' (Upto 4m x 4m). Sometimes called the Smoke Bush this sets itself ablaze in fiery orange and red in the autumn.
Berberis thunbergii (Upto 1.4m x 1.4m). This is a great anti-burglary plant with its sharp thorns. Not only do the leaves turn to a glowing amber and red, but it produces red berries.
Amelanchier lamarkii (Upto 20m x 15m). This is a superb small tree of moderate growth. It produces a profusion of spring blossom and reliably finishes on a fanfare of fiery colour.
Garden Advice by New Leaf Gardenscape
This article was kindly submitted by Jo Howes, proprietor of New Leaf Gardenscape. Through her articles, Jo will be advising us each month on what we should be doing in the garden. Look out for further monthly updates to guide us through the year.
In the meantime, for professional advice please contact Jo at mailto:jo.howes:newleafgardenscape.co.uk
