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HOW TO ... GARDEN IN THE COOLER MONTHS
AS WE WELCOME THE CHANGE OF SEASONS , WE ALSO FACE A DROP IN TEMPERATURE , BUT THAT ’ S NOT TO SAY THAT WE CAN ’ T USE THIS TIME WISELY AND PRODUCTIVELY IN THE GARDEN . WHILE AUTUMN IS A BEAUTIFUL SEASON WITH ITS COLOURFUL FOLIAGE , OUR OUTDOOR SPACES CAN OFTEN START TO LOOK MESSY AT THIS TIME OF YEAR ; COLLAPSING PERENNIALS , DYING LEAVES AND DEAD LAWNS WILL ALL BE IN NEED OF A BIT OF A TIDY UP AHEAD OF THE FAST APPROACHING WINTER MONTHS . WITH THAT IN MIND , ASHLEIGH BRITTEN BRINGS YOU HER TOP ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO IN THE GARDEN DURING OCTOBER , ALL OF WHICH WILL CONTRIBUTE TO A FLOURISHING GARDEN NEXT YEAR …
Spring Bulbs , Dobbies
FLOWERS
The majority of flowers have bloomed and gone in October , however this is the perfect opportunity to think about what it is you ’ d like to grow next year . You ’ ll also need to think about plants that may need protecting during the winter months , as explained below .
Plant spring flowering bulbs Nothing is more welcoming after a long winter than a sea of colour at the start of spring ; even before the perennials , shrubs and trees start making an appearance , spring blooming flowers like daffodils , tulips and crocuses will bring your garden to life . Great for borders or pots , as well as scattered across lawns or around the base of a tree , plant in the autumn directly into the soil . As a rule of thumb , ensure the bulb is planted at at least three times its own depth and if in doubt , plant it deeper rather than nearer to the surface . Consider the position of the bulb ; spring flowering plants tend to need either full sun or partial shade and like well-drained soil - if you ’ re not sure , read the packet and you should find all the relevant information . Make sure to plant plenty to create a natural looking carpet of colour .
Prepare for the frost The cold snaps and wet weather are coming , and , like us , many plant species don ’ t like the cold or damp , so it ’ s best to ensure that the ones that won ’ t survive the winter are lifted and stored safely until the spring arrives . Plants such as cannas , dahlias , and gladioli all have tuber rhizomes - underground stems - meaning they will survive when lifted and left in a dormant state . Before lifting , cut back the plant and remove any excess foliage . Using your fork , dig around the plant being careful to not interrupt the roots . When lifted , remove any loose soil or debris and place in a tray of sand or coir with the crown of the plant still showing ( this is where the stem meets the root ). Take them inside or store
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