Far from being a quiet time, there is much to do in the autumn garden. And the more that is achieved in autumn the better plants handle winter wet and cold, and the better the garden the following season.
Caring for Autumn Flowers Autumn is not without flowers (too many to mention here, see Late Summer Flowers) and some of these will amply reward a little extra effort. Lilies and gladioli appreciate some discrete staking unless surrounding plants support them.
Nerines flower, shocking pink, red and white blooms held above thick, glossy strap-like leaves. Tidy away any tatty leaves as these detract from the stunning flowers.
Autumn bulbs such as colchium come into flower before the leaves (these appear in spring). If colchiums are grown in grass, mow early to avoid damage to the flowers and maximise the display.
Clear collapsing perennials such as hostas from shady corners where Cyclamen hederfolium and, later, C. coum will flower. Hellebores will come into flower in early winter. Trim away the old leaves now; you'll see the new buds and shoots emerging. The flowers stand out so much better without all the old tatty leaves.
Planting Soil Preparation Prepare areas for new season’s planting. Planting autumn is preferred to spring except on heavy soils prone to water logging.
On heavy clay soils dig over to allow winter frost to break up
New Plants Plant out any cuttings, divisions and seeds raised that have reached suitable size. Don't move them straight from a greenhouse or frame to teh garen, though, make sure new plants have been hardened off first.
Annuals Sow annuals for next season, such as Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'.
Trees, Shrubs and Perennials On fine days, and when the soil is dry enough, plant trees, shrubs and perennials, and roses. Autumn planting allows plants to establish good root systems before winter, while much spring growth tends to be directed to leafy, vegetative growth, straining plant reserves unless the feeding system, the roots, are in good shape. If you have long, severe winters, though, wait until spring to plant, when plants are less vulnerable to truly cold conditions.
Bulbs Many spring bulbs should be planted by late summer or early autumn, the earlier in autumn the better, but tulips can be planted through to mid-winter.
Autumn clean up One of the major gardening tasks of autumn, the clean up is essential in many gardens. How much you do, and when you do it, is determined by climate and personal taste, but there is much to be done in any garden.
Containers Clear containers of summer plants, adding the potting mix to the compost heap and clean the pot well. Re-plant with winter flowers – pansies, Iceland poppies and polyanthus are good winter annuals, or wallflowers for spring. Bulbs make great container plants.
