Top tips for your garden:

Autumn jobs in the garden.

Autumn can be a fantastic time to enjoy being outside.  The fresh, cool air is invigorating and the calming rustic colours that are taking over the countryside can look stunning! 

Despite the windy weather and falling temperatures, the sun remains fairly strong and can still dry out the garden so keep newly planted areas well watered and taller plants well supported.

Remember the wind can dry plants, pots and the ground too!

As deciduous plants and trees shed their leaves, keep the debris clear of other plants and in particular, lawns. This avoids brown patches developing and keeps harmful bacteria away. All the debris can be placed in your compost bin.

Overgrown perennials can be lifted and divided now, but leave ornamental grasses until spring.

Spring flowering bulbs should be planted now – we recommend planting in groups of 5, 7 or 9 for a really stunning display.

Start to think about tender plants – would they be better protected somewhere else, should they be brought inside or covered up for winter?  Plants supplied by us will have all the details in the life-long care guide.

Established lawns will benefit from a little work now – scarification and aeration is a basic and simple task that will promote healthy growth next year. Adding a top-dressing of sand and/or topsoil will also help – if required, new seed can be spread to increase the density of the lawn.

Evergreen hedges and shrubs can still be trimmed now, as long as there is no frost forecast.

By the start of December protect banana palms and other large exotic plants with a strong frame and horticultural fleece. A layer of straw may also help.  Tree Ferns also need some protection on the top of the trunk – fold up any surviving leaves and place an old t-shirt or pillow case over the top.  Do not use plastic for either of these plants.