End of Summer

September is a busy time in the garden. Things can quickly change from summer to the onset of autumn, so if you are organised you can really get on top of jobs now to save time and work next spring and to prevent having to work in colder, harsher conditions. Take a look at Nina’s list of Garden Jobs…

Verbena Cuttings

The end of Summer is the perfect time to take Verbena cuttings. It is easy. Choose a non-flowering shoot about 5/10cm. Trim them off with secateurs just below a leaf joint.

Remove the lower set of leaves and insert the cutting into gritty compost around the edge of pots. Over winter, tuck them away in a frost-free place and you’ll have fresh, healthy verbena plants next year.

Time to prune!

Check your tools: secateurs, loppers, scissors…

Sharpen your cutting tools before the pruning season. A hone or whetstone should be used for sharpening cutting tools. After each use, wipe the metal parts of pruners, shears, and loppers with an oily rag. Clean any tools which have been used for chemical applications. Fertilisers and other chemicals will rapidly corrode any metal parts.

Add some autumn colour to your garden

At this time of the year, spring bedding has lost its interest. You can fill the gaps with warmer colours using a selection of Calluna, Cyclamen, Viola, Helleborus you can find for sale on our well stocked Plant Terrace.