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Fifty third edition - October 2005
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Autumn was once my least favourite season,
with its longer nights and the prospect of months of cold dark days. But
since I have had my new digital camera I have learnt to appreciate all
the seasons because I believe I see things now whereas before I
just looked.. For example this morning whilst taking the dogs for
their walk in the nearby forest, I saw the first of the many colourful
fungi growing there and was reminded of a couple of photos I took last
year of the same fungi and leaves falling off the chestnut trees. I`ve
put them here. |
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for a larger view
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Jobs for the month - October
A season of falling leaves and weakening sun, when shrubs and trees take
on a new look. A time for preparing for the long winter.. Why not plant up
some winter hanging baskets or tubs, which are becoming more popular than
ever. There is an enormous variety of evergreen planting to be found in
garden centres, (some with berries) that will make a wonderful winter
display.
 Houseplants
I think winter houseplants are very precious, because often it is the
only bit of colour we have for several weeks.. I love the flashy cyclamens,
azaleas, amaryllis and my very favourite indoor hyacinths which I endeavour
to get into flower for the Christmas period. Don`t neglect your regular
houseplants though and make sure they are not waterlogged, in a draught or
too near a radiator. Give them as much natural daylight as you can too.
Bulbs.
Lift half-hardy summer flowering bulbs, clean and store them. If you have
gladioli corms, lift them and allow the foliage to die down naturally, then
clean them, discarding the old corm, keeping the new one for next year. The
tiny bulblets can be planted next year too, but won`t flower until the
following year at the earliest
Lawns
You can still apply an autumn weed and feed this month. It is a good time to
sort out the bumps and hollows by removing the section of turf with a sharp
spade and either adding or removing soil as necessary, finally replacing the
turf and thumping it firmly back down with a spade.. Just a light trim for
the grass from now on..
 Greenhouse
If the weather holds, you might still be lucky enough to have late tomatoes,
peppers and cucumbers in the greenhouse to accompany the delicate plants and
cuttings you are storing overwinter.
Ponds
and water features
Clear your pond of any decaying vegetation and cover
the pool with netting to prevent falling leaves from going into the water.
Reduce the quantity of fish food you give your pond fish. You will see that
as the weather cools and the days shorten they will want to feed less and
less. By the end of October they will have stopped feeding altogether for
the duration of the winter. Depending on the weather, water features can be
left going until the end of October.
* I read of yet another child drowning yesterday (25th September) and would
advise people to always get pond covers fitted to make their ponds safe.
After all a neighbour`s child could always stray into your garden even if
you don`t have young children of your own, or as visitors...
www.safapond.com is a company I
can recommend, for nationwide coverage, an excellent product and service..
Wildlife
From now until the
spring months make sure you always have a constant supply of bird food
available to attract a wide variety of birds to your garden. They will also
come to rely on you for food so do keep them topped up in all weather.. Take
care not to damage hedgehogs that might be hiding in piles of leaves.
Paths, walls and fences.
You do know of course, (because I tell you every year) that you must be
careful to sweep up leaves in case of accident. Check fences are secure
against the strong winds we usually get at this time of year. Check your
garden walls have not become cracked and dangerous during the summer
months.. Get in a supply of rock salt to put on your paths if they get icy.
RHS gardens
Their four flagship gardens not only provide
year-round interest and offer a wide range of courses, talks and
demonstrations, they also demonstrate the best gardening practices, new
techniques and exciting new plants to try in your garden.
Or go to their website for a diary of all other events
at:-
http://www.rhs.org.uk/WhatsOn/index.asp
 Thompson & Morgan
Visit www.thompson-morgan.com
where full information is available on their product varieties and orders
can be taken on-line. Have a look to see what is new and any special
seasonal offers
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The National Botanic Garden of Wales
