September is time to catch up after blooms of the summer months

IN many ways I think of September as the beginning of the gardening year.

It’s a personal thing, but there is something of a breather after the intensity of the summer blooms and before the excitement of spring growth. There is the tidying up to do from the summer just past, and the start of preparations for next summer.

It’s absolutely a time to look forward, and to do that you need to look back at what worked well this summer.

The good news is that now is an excellent time to plant a range of plants from trees to perennials.

When buying, do make sure that they are going to grow well in your garden. The back of the label will tell you what conditions it tolerates and how big you can anticipate it growing, and if you go to a good garden centre or nursery then most staff will be pleased to answer questions. Whilst you’re there, why not purchase some spring bedding and spring bulbs?

The effort now to plant them, either in a spare area of the garden or in containers, will be more than rewarded with blooms heralding the explosion of springtime energy.

You can give yourself the best chance of a healthy summer to come in the garden by tidying away diseased material.

That way, pests and diseases will have fewer places to overwinter.

The weather this year has meant that various fruit including apples and pears have ripened early. You may want to store some; use only those without blemish for this purpose.

Apples can go into large, sealed polythene bags which have been punctured to allow gases to escape, while pears will do best laid out on a surface which allows for air to circulate. Both must be kept in a dry, frost-free place and checked regularly.

In just over a week’s time the Walled Garden will be celebrating our place in England’s history and opening for Heritage Open Days, 9-11th September.

It is a wonderful opportunity to see the garden in its fullest context, with a chance to dip into the extensive research, enjoy the art installations, and of course, the garden itself. Entrance is free and times are 11am – 5pm.

If you would like more information on our courses: call 01582 879089 or email [email protected].

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Discover the Walled Garden’s website - www.lhwg.org.uk