November in the Garden
| Published: 5th November 2007 11:23 |
The weather has been very kind and autumn is in the midst of its glorious display. But all those leaves need to be cleared from the lawn, the borders, ponds and pathways and now is the time to collect them all up and store them for leaf mould.
There are two recognised methods for making leaf mould; the first and easier is simply to bag up the collected leaves (do not use evergreen clippings or pine needles,) in a refuse sack. When almost full, make air holes with a garden fork and water it well. Tie the top and leave the bags out of the way for approximately eighteen months. Leaf mould made now can be used in the spring of 2009. A slightly quicker method involves piling up alternate layers (5cm deep) of leaves and soil to a maximum depth of a meter. Turn it every two to three months and it will ready to apply in twelve months time.
Leaf mould does not have great nutritional soil, but it does wonders to improve the structure by opening it and allowing more air in a clay soil. It makes a great mulch to improve moisture retention, suppress weeds and looks great. Furthermore, it prevents the build up of methane if it is put directly into landfill and is far more satisfactory than bonfires.
More jobs to be getting on with in November
• Lawns - cut only on a high setting and apply an autumn fertilizer if you haven't already. Keep it clear of leaves and continue to scarify
• Trees and shrubs - deciduous specimens can still be planted, including fruit trees. Add mycorrhizal fungus (available at good nurseries or online) so that it is in direct contact with the roots. Prune fruit trees before it gets too cold.
• Cold protection - if you have a cold garden, a frost pocket or susceptible plants, make sure you have some horticultural fleece ready for cold spells.
• Roses - prune climbing roses and plant bare-root plants as soon as possible after purchase. It is important that roots are not left to dry out.
• Tulips are best planted in November, but add some grit to the soil if it is heavy or the bulbs will rot.
• Add well rotted manure to the vegetable garden, excluding areas to be planted with root crops. Heavy soil can be left in large clods and the frost will break it up for you.
Feature plant of the month
Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion'
This deciduous shrub has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM.) It is a medium to large sized shrub with a height and spread of upto 2m, but it can be pruned to a much smaller plant. It does require a sunny site, enjoys our soil type and is grown for its amazing free-borne lilac berries that have a unique metallic sheen. It also has a buttery yellow autumn colour, but the berries persist for quite some time as the birds do not make them their first choice. Recommendations suggest that they should be planted with a companion for pollination purposes, but I can say that my singular plant has always fruited very well. I would always find a space for this plant as it doesn't succumb to pests and disease, is very well behaved and there simply is nothing to rival it in November. Plant them now so that they can establish a good root system before next summer.
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 updated to guide us through the year. In the meantime, for professional advice please contact Jo at Jo.Howes@newleafgardenscape.co.uk
