Spotlight Magazines Spotlight on Sinfin and Stenson Fields Sept 2015 | Page 12

Spotlight Magazine Garden View September 23rd is a special date in the gardening clander. The sun is directly above the earth’s equator and day and night are exactly the same length. Because of this, September is a pivotal month in the year: it heralds the end of summer and the start of autumn. It’s also a pivotal month in the garden. It’s a time of endings but also a time for rejuvenation. Summer plants fade and enter their dormant period, while leaves take on autumn hues: yet autumn crocuses push up through the soil, while bushes and trees are laden with fruit. This dual aspect to September means that on the one hand I find myself preparing my garden for its long winter sleep, but on the other I’m planning ahead for next spring. So, while cutting down the perennials which have finished flowering I’m also checking to see if any have become too big for the space they’re in. If they have, I’ll divide them now, while the soil is still warm, and move them to another part of the garden, where they’ll flourish when the new growing season begins next year. Likewise, I’m planning where any new trees or shrubs will go. I’ll get them in during September and they’ll be off to a flying start come Spring. transmogrify into rich, crumbly compost and leaf-mould respectively. When dug into my soil in early spring it will give my garden a much needed shot of energy with which to kick off the growing season. The autumn equinox is the gardener’s equivalent of the New Year. It’s a time to reflect on the past season while resolving to do even better in 2016 Autumn Lawn Care Sweep the leaves. I put mine in a perforated dustbin liner, in a dry spot and wait for them to rot down. Rake Use a wire rake to pull out all the dead moss and thatch. I put everything I collect into the compost bin Spike lawn Push a garden fork right through the lawn into the earth below then rock it a little to open up the lawn’s surface and allow air in. Brush with top dressing This is available from garden centres. Brush it into the holes with a stiff broom. To make your own top dressing, mix 3 parts top soil with one part peat substitute and 6 parts sharp sand. By Rachel Leverton My garden is chock-full of Spring bulbs already but I can always find room for some more. While I’m at it I’ll be planting a few in pots so I can be sure of a great spring display on the patio. Meanwhile I look upon all the weeding, tidying and leafraking that I’m doing as an investment in compostable materials for my bin and my leaf-litter pile, which when left over the winter 12 www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01332 416 121 • [email protected]