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THE AUTUMN SEASON
Shrubs and trees
 Autumn
is nature’s time for planting. It is at this time of
year that the ground has been continually warmed throughout
the summer and the autumn rains soften the ground to make
it responsive to establishing the roots of newly planted
shrubs. It is often said that a plant planted in the autumn
benefits from an extra years growth over the same one planted
in spring.
The autumn and winter winds will soon prevail so ensure
that any young trees are securely staked.
Annuals
 As the flowers fade and the foliage starts to
collapse on the summer bedding plants we should turn our
attention
to replanting beds, borders and most importantly the patio
pots with bedding plants to excel throughout the remainder
of autumn, winter and early spring. Polyanthus, primrose
and winter pansies were the traditional mix with wallflowers
planted for colour during the following spring. Much work
has been undertaken to broaden the selection of colourful
winter plants and we now offer a great selection of mini
shrubs, herbs, brightly painted heathers, a new series of
semi hardy cyclamen, purple and white mini cabbages to enhance
your pots throughout the dull winter months.
Roses
Now is the time to do the first winter pruning and
we recommend that you only cut the bush roses to about half,
this will leave enough of the summers growth to harden before
the spring pruning in March when further shortening and branch
selection can be done.
As prevention against black spot and rust, remember to collect
all the prunings and take them out of the garden or burn
them. After pruning drench the surrounding ground and the
bushes with Armillatox to kill off any spores that will otherwise
grow over winter on or near the plant.
New seasons roses are now ready for planting.
Lawns
September and October are the ideal months for applying
autumn lawn food; this food encourages strong root growth
and toughens the grass leaves to protect the turf throughout
the winter. If any weeds are present the autumn is a good
time to kill these before they establish further over the
winter. It is important to treat these while they are still
growing. Verdone 2 applied through a spray or watering can
work well.
Bulbs
Now is the time for getting down to serious bulb
planting. There is no better way to put spring colour in
the garden than by planting spring flowering bulbs.
Hedges
Any hedge can be cut at this time of year. However
be careful not to cut evergreen hedges during periods of
frosty weather as this can damage the remaining foliage.
Tidy, Tidy and Tidy
Gather up leaves, weed and garden debris well because
any areas of rotting and festering rubbish will be the ideal
habitat for the dreaded slugs and snails to feed over the
winter in!
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