VIRTUAL “PICTURE A PLANT” SHOW 2020

The autumn chill sets in

Although we had some warmer days over September, the autumn is now definitely here for real, and it feels colder. It’s a beautiful time of year, with the trees changing colour. Sometimes it may seem pointless raking, when the wind blows even more leaves onto the lawn, but just think of all the lovely leafmould you can make! It’s also time to start preparing for early frosts.

Please send us your flowers and plants for Autumn – admin@sgcara.org.uk

Dragonfly-enjoying-the-July-sun-on-the-ripening-blackberries

Loving the blossoming of lockdown nasturtium seeds harvested by a friend on the grid last year. Judith Beazley at 17 Skeena

Autumn can be the most colourful of seasons, and it’s not just trees that put on a fiery display – many shrubs, large and small, are equally spectacular. The leaves of deciduous shrubs light up the garden before they fall. Some shrubs are still flowering enthusiastically in autumn, while fruiting shrubs are laden in ripening berries, which are a magnet for birds.

TOP 10 JOBS FOR THIS MONTH

1. Divide established rhubarb crowns to create new plants
2. Cut back perennials that have died down
3. Divide herbaceous perennials
4. Move tender plants, including aquatic ones, into a greenhouse or conservatory
5. Plant out spring cabbages

6. Harvest apples, pears, grapes and nuts
7. Prune climbing roses
8. Finish collecting seeds from the garden to sow next year
9. Last chance to mow lawns and trim hedges in mild areas
10. Renovate old lawns or create new grass areas by laying turf

COMBEMARTIN ROAD