Autumn – Nature’s Time for Planting

As we head into October, what a great opportunity we have to refresh our garden spaces. The ground is still warm, and with plenty of moisture around, why not get planting now rather than wait until the spring? Plants will establish well now before the frosts and frozen soils in mid-winter limit the opportunities for working the soil. Don’t worry if the perennials, shrubs, and trees don’t look at their best now – it’s the roots that matter, and they will spread and find their way before shutting down until warmer weather reappears in March – or maybe February if we are lucky!

Again thinking ahead to 2025, plant spring bulbs such as daffodils, alliums, tulips, snowdrops, and dwarf iris. The beauty of bulbs is that they will sit and wait until the best conditions arrive for them to send up sturdy stems and flower. No problem with a harsh winter – they are protected in the soil, both in pots or the open ground. Plant them deep, which will allow you to plant winter bedding plants on top. Violas look delicate but are ultra-reliable to flower both in the autumn and the spring; polyanthus are also bullet-proof reliable if they don’t get too waterlogged; bellis will flower well even in frost and snow. For topping up hanging baskets, try ferns, heuchera, and solanum, as well as muehlenbeckia, which is a wonderful trailing alternative to ivy.

Elsewhere in the garden, enjoy the fiery autumnal leaf colours and be prepared by emptying composters where possible by spreading their (hopefully) well-rotted mulch onto beds and borders. So there will be plenty of space at leaf fall to start the composting process again….

When pruning and tidying, remember many plants have berries and seed-heads which are useful for wildlife. Likewise, a few piles of twigs and leaves can also provide a home for over-wintering insects and animals.

David Hogg
Buckland Nurseries