The Link Late Summer 2019 The Link Aug-Sep 2019 v2 | Page 10

ESTABLISHED 1886 www.caterhamdistricthorticulturalsoc.weebly.com www.facebook.com/cat.hortisoc T he Gladioli looks outstanding in August and there is still plenty of colour in the garden. All jobs carried out now will provide a basis for future delights in the garden. August & September are the main months for planting Spring flowering bulbs with the exception of Tulips. It is practical to use fresh fibre for planting bulbs in bowls. * * * * * Jobs to be carried out in August Fruit: Early Apples and Pears can be picked & eaten. Summer fruiting Strawberries should be planted this month and the next. Lavender hedges should be lightly trimmed, as old wood cut back will not sprout again. Herbaceous plants: Sow Alyssum, Calendula, Candytuft, Cornflower, Axhium, Godetia, Larkspur, and Sweet Sultan for early blooms next Summer. House plants: In the holiday period, house plants can be left outdoors in plastic hoods (miniature greenhouses) for light and humidity. Lawns: should be frequently mown and grass clippings left to provide moisture. Use a weed-killer before laying a new PATH. A camber will assist proper drainage. All outdoor living spaces should be cleared to avoid accidents. Take cuttings of dwarf Rhododendron in Rock gardens. Roses: Cut out old wood from roses, spray against black spot and stop feeding with nitrogen. Pull out all suckers. 10 Shrubs: Cuttings from Berberis, Buddleia, Deutzia, Philadelphus and many evergreens will root easily. Vegetables: Lift & store Beetroot, Autumn sown Onions & Shallots. Sow Brussels Sprouts for next year and the last batch of Lettuce for this year. Water Gardens & Wild Life: Carefully dislodge aphids into the water with a fine spray for the fish to devour. Increase the food for the birds to prepare for the Winter. Gardens should be glowing with Autumn tints in September. Apples are ready for picking and berries are ripening on Shrubs and Trees. It is a pleasant time for nature lovers. It is the main month for planting bulbs. * * * * * Jobs to be carried out in September Fruit: Ripening Melons should be kept dry and exposed to the sun. Complete planting Summer fruiting Strawberries. Prepare the ground for planting Fruit trees. Greenhouse: Spring and Winter flowering pot plants will thrive in a slightly heated greenhouse. Sow Schizanthus & Mignonette and start off Christmas bulbs. Hedges: Trim mature hedges. Herbaceous Plants: Cut back Dahlia tops to within a few inches of the ground as soon as they are blackened by frost, lift & clean tubers and store in boxes. Clear the ground, prepare and plant spring & early summer biennials. House plants: Reduce watering and feeding of House plants. To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: [email protected]