This time last year I was writing about scorching heat and lovely weather. This year hasn't seen quite such a good start to September with a few storms coming in a drenching us. Devon weather, as we know, is traditionally unpredictable!
Nevertheless we try to keep positive and upbeat here at The GardenShop and it's hard not to be with the exciting things that we've got planned for this Autumn.
Exciting things are happening
You may remember in 2021 we helped the community with supplies of local produce which was really welcome and well supported. For a while we've been brewing ideas and we're shortly launching a brand new farm shop. More news will be coming soon!!
In the shop we've been busy with a large arrival of brand new pots as well as chutneys, jams and other delicious things - and some new cakes like this Alabama Fudge Cake for you to try (and we think you'll love them!) If you've not been in for a while do come down and see us.
Plant of the month
Japanese anemones
These are one of the treats of September. They are in full flower now and you'll see them everywhere. They brighten even the dullest of days.
Commonly called Ice Plants, the thick fleshy foliage of sedum varieties add interest throughout the year, from the moment it develops in spring.
Varieties are available with foliage colours from green to grey and deep purple, and some with variegated green and white leaves look particularly impressive grown individually in small terracotta pots.
They are a valuable feed source too at this time of year.
THINGS TO DO IN SEPTEMBER
With such a lot of rainy and mild weather the garden has certainly had plenty of opportunity for growth and unprecidented amounts of slugs and snails. As usual there's a lot to be getting on with in September so have a look below.
Start planting new trees, shrubs and climber
Stop feeding trees and shrubs in containers
Feed camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas with a high potash feed for a better display next year.
Clear out summer bedding plants
Why not try taking cuttings of pansies and violas? They are easy to do and at the same time it will encourage more basal growth in the parent plant and help it keep a better shape and prolong the flowering period.
If you haven’t already done it, trim back the old flowers of lavender. A regular trim (rather than a prune) will keep the plants in good shape and prevent them going too ‘leggy’ – never cut low into old wood.
Start planting new perennials
Start dividing overgrown perennials
Support tall, later-flowering perennials
Daffodils and crocus should be planted at the earliest opportunity. Tulips can be left until later
Plant out spring-flowering biennials
September can be a busy time in the garden – both vegetable and flower. If you want to save some seeds from some of your favourite plants, now is the time to do it if the pods are ripe. Choose a dry period to cut the pods and then store them in paper bags until the seed naturally falls from the pod. Remember to label the bag!
Plant up containers with autumn bedding
If you are a dahlia grower, keep them well watered and fed and don’t forget to deadhead old flowers from stems that haven’t been cut for the home.
If you have an earwig problem there are two things you can do. 1) Stuff a 9cm (3 1/2″) flowerpot with straw or hay and place this upside down on a stake or cane. The earwigs will inhabit this overnight and can then be removed the next morning. 2) Smear some washing-up liquid on the stem below the flower/bud.
THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO….
Force hyacinths for Christmas
Plant Autumn onion sets
Sow Spring cabbages
Plant new strawberry plants
GET IN FRONT….
Sow hardy annuals to flower next year
Dig over heavy clay soil before Autumn rains make it less workable. It may be beneficial to sow a green manure to overwinter your plot, or consider covering with old carpet or recycled black plastic to keep the weeds down. Your soil will also warm up more quickly in the spring.
Sue Brown The Garden Shop
King Street, Colyton, Devon EX24 6PD Email: info@gardenshopcolyton.co.uk
Tel: 01297 551113 { Mobile: 07805 956157
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