October Gardening tips

Now is the time to watch the wildlife plant nuts and other seeds in the lawn and flower beds for a new woodland to grow!

Now is a time for golden leaves and golden sunlight and a golden ground where the leaves have fallen.  Leave them until they turn muddy brown; this will encourage worms and other invertebrates.  BUT.. clear them out of ponds or you will end up with dry land.

Many trees are planted primarily for Autumn colour, like Acers, but others give wonderful colour as an extra benefit, like Witch hazels and deciduous azaleas.  If you do not have room for trees and large shrubs, then try a climber like Virginia creeper up a wall or fence.  Some grasses are decorative all winter and really ‘glow’ in a low sun’s light.

This is also the time to look forward and plant Narcissi or Hyacinths in bowls of compost; put them in the dark until nearly Christmas. Then they should bloom.

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