Look after your garden
Some general maintenance now can make all the difference to your garden next spring and summer.
Decide which tender perennials (Osteospermum, Pelargonium and so on) you want to see again next year, as this is the time to take cuttings. Keep them in a greenhouse or on a windowsill with plenty of light. Also bring in tender plants such as Abutilon, Gazania, Fuchsia and Lantana before the frosts can get to them. Once the frosts hit, lift tubers and rhizomes of cannas and dahlias. If you live in a warmer region, you can leave them in the ground, but remember to cover their crowns with bracken or straw to keep them protected from the cold. Stake taller late-flowering perennials – asters for instance – to stop them getting damaged by wind.
Vegetables need looking after too
More maintenance is needed in the veg garden – cut down asparagus foliage when it turns brown. A good mulch should be applied after this is done. Earth up celery for the last time – you just need to leave a little of the foliage sticking out of the collar or trench to ensure you get blanched stems.
Think you know your apples? RHS Garden Harlow Carr – 27 Sept – 1 Oct
There will be hundreds of apple varieties on show at the Yorkshire RHS garden. On hand every day of the event is the Northern Fruit Group, who will be able to offer advice on which varieties to choose, and how to maintain and grow apple trees. Got an unidentified apple tree in your garden? Being the fruit along and our experts will no doubt be able to tell you what variety it is! The event is open from 10am-6pm every day.
Autumn and winter pots and containers at RHS Garden Wisley
Add some autumn and winter interest to your garden with this morning or afternoon workshop at RHS Wisley on 26 September. During the morning you’ll find out how to get the best out of seasonal containers through planting demos and plant suggestions. You’ll learn how to look after the containers and you’ll produce your very own winter container for your own garden. This workshop will be run by expert staff from the RHS and will be a practical, hands-on session, so come wearing appropriate clothes and footwear. The workshop costs £34 for members and £46 for non-members and includes tea or coffee. To book, call 0845 6121253 quoting booking ref: 10626 (weekdays 9am-5pm).
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