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Mid-autumn
Now trees and shrubs flare into autumn colour,
the last of the border flowers are picked and
only a few chrysanthemums
and dahlias are
left to defy the frosts. This is a good time to
apply slow-acting fertilisers, such as bone meal.
TREES
AND SHRUBS
Plant new trees and shrubs, including heaths
and heathers, and stake standard specimens likely
to be vulnerable to strong winds
Take hardwood cuttings of deciduous shrubs, including
forsythia, philadelphus and weigela.
CLIMBERS
Plant clematis
and secure to supports.
ROSES
Cut back rose bushes by about one-third to help
them withstand winter winds. Use the prunings
as hardwood cuttings.
HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS
Divide and replant overcrowded clumps of tough-rooted
perennials such as hostas and hardy geraniums.
Begin planting for flowering next summer.
WATER AND BOG PLANTS
Place netting over ponds to catch leaves.
BULBS, CORMS AND TUBERS
Continue to plant bulbs, such as Iris
xiphioides and tulips,
for early summer flowering.
Lift dahlias as
soon as the foliage starts to yellow, or after
the first frost, and store tubers.
At the end of the month, protect neck of tender
bulbs such as Crinum powellii with a layer of
straw.
ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS
Sow sweet peas in a sunny, sheltered site for
early flowering.
Thin out and transplant hardy annuals sown last
month.
Plant out wallflowers,
Campanula medium,
forget-me-nots and bellis
daisy plants for spring.
LAWNS
Apply turf dressing and start to lay new turf.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Plan new planting schemes for nest year, dig any
beds needing an overhaul, and keep all parts of
garden clear of fallen leaves.
Next:
Late Autumn
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