providing autumn delight and Liquidambar, known as the sweetgum tree, puts on a great display. Most deciduous trees develop some interesting autumn hues as the season turns the landscape golden, red, orange and purple.
It ' s a good time to note your favourite trees and shrubs as the planting season looms. Perhaps you have room for just one more in your garden?
There is still plenty of flowering interest in October too. Late-season colour is provided by Nerines, with bright pink blooms, autumn crocus( Colchicum autumnale), Asters, Chrysanthemums and Dahlias.
There are still Asters like Michaelmas daisies blooming in October
Jobs for October
Before the clocks go back on Sunday, 26 October, there are tasks to tackle.
• Plant spring-flowering bulbs and remember that flowers in casual groups are far more effective than singles or straight lines. Plant as early in the month as possible, so that the soil is still warm and roots have a chance to sprout. Don’ t be tempted to plant tulips just yet, however. The warm, wet soil conditions that can be normal for October mean that the risk of fungal diseases like tulip fire is higher. Wait until cooler soil conditions prevail in November or even December.
• You can divide perennials that are outgrowing their space and revel in the opportunity to exchange interesting clumps with friends.
• Prune back shrubs that look too large or untidy, bearing in mind that winter seed heads are invaluable for birds. Take care not to prune anything that might be a bit tender, because frost will gain access through new cuts.
• It ' s a good idea to scarify and aerate the lawn, to get rid of dead grass and open up the airways.
• Give the lawn a trim but set the blades higher than for a summer cut.
• Pay attention to lawn edges. If you make them crisp and tidy now, they should look good all winter.
• We are about to enter the season when foliage comes first. So, aim to achieve contrast with evergreens, placing maroon and dark-leafed shrubs next to variegated or yellow-leafed specimens.
• Rake leaves off the lawn but leave them on beds and borders. They will give frost protection to plants and hiding places for insects, which will help birds.
It ' s well worth putting some time into the garden in October, because everything stays more or less how you leave it, give or take the shedding of a few thousand leaves. Enjoy this month of transition – it can be a magical time.
• Prune roses now, so that they don’ t rock in the winter winds, which can loosen their roots.
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