Mulch bare soil and around plants with chip bark
Mulching is one of the most beneficial practices you can adopt for your garden, and using chip bark as your mulch material offers a fantastic array of advantages. This simple act of spreading a protective layer over the soil can…
Dividing perennials in October
One of the best-kept secrets to an easy, beautiful garden next spring is getting your hands dirty now, specifically by dividing your perennial plants. This isn’t just garden maintenance; it’s a brilliant strategy that pays off with healthier plants and…
October is the month to prune climbing roses
This time of year is ideal for giving your climbing roses a good prune, setting them up for a fantastic display next season. Unlike rambling roses, which bloom on wood grown the previous summer, climbing roses flower on shoots that…
October is the perfect time to scarify your lawn
October is the best time to scarify your lawn. This important lawn maintenance removes the thick layer of thatch and moss that can smother your grass. While you can scarify in spring, waiting until autumn lets you do a more…
Raise your containers
As winter gets closer and the days grow shorter, most gardeners think about how to protect their delicate plants. But it’s just as important to look after your container plants. If you leave pots sitting directly on patios or the…
October is prime time for spring bulbs
October is an important month for gardeners who want spring colour. As the air cools and the ground is still easy to work, this is the best time to plant most spring bulbs like daffodils, crocuses, alliums, and hyacinths. Planting…
Watching the garden’s autumnal transition
Right now, my garden is putting on its most beautiful and understated show as autumn settles in. Summer’s energy has faded, replaced by deep reds, yellows and oranges. The Acer stands out, its leaves turning brilliant crimson red before they…
Plant out biennial foxgloves for beautiful displays next year
Although October often seems like the end of the gardening season, it’s actually the perfect time to plant out biennial foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea). Planting them now gives their roots a chance to settle in before winter sets in. This early…
Embrace a more relaxed attitude to tidying the garden
October brings a different set of tasks for the easy-care gardener, but the principle of supporting wildlife remains. As the last of the autumn flowers fade, it’s tempting to tidy up your borders and cut everything back. However, for a…
Brighten up borders with winter pansies
As summer’s colours fade and days shorten, it’s easy to miss the bright borders in your garden. October is ideal for adding colour back with winter-flowering pansies. These tough plants keep your garden lively through the cold months and often…