As autumn starts to creep in and we notice the change in temperature, there is still lots to keep us busy in the garden.
Keeping on top of deadheading and giving annual flowers and perennials a regular feed will help them last until the first frost.
Some perennials, like Rudbeckia and other daisy-type varieties, need regular deadheading to keep the flowers coming.
If you’d like to increase some of your favourite Salvias, now is the time to take cuttings. Here’s how:
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Select a non-flowering shoot about 10cm long and cut it from the main part of the plant.
Penstemon is another perennial that takes well from cuttings, and pelargoniums are also reliable in autumn. These are just a few examples, but many plants can be divided or propagated now to increase the volume of perennials in beds and borders.
Buxus has become a favourite for edging or as a border shrub around beds and patios. It’s a lovely structured shrub — slow-growing, easy to maintain, and it gives a neat, tidy look to any area.
Grasses are also a favourite at this time of year. They look great in beds and borders, but I especially love using them in pots and window boxes. They add texture, movement, and a graceful flow to planters.
With a lovely selection of heathers and colourful varieties arriving this week, there are plenty of options to mix with violas and pansies, giving planters a fresh look for September. Cyclamen also offer a beautiful range of colours. Adding trailing ivy brings extra texture and its own seasonal tones.
It’s also a great time to consider planting spring bulbs. From snowdrops to bluebells and a wide array of daffodils, there’s something for every garden. Whether you’re adding to last year’s collection or planting under trees, now is the perfect time to get them in the ground.
Happy planting and gardening in the weeks ahead!
