The Autumn Garden
Autumn is the time for enjoying the final flourishes of flowering plants and the fruits of labours in the vegetable plots. As the blooms of spring and summer die away, autumn is the time when shrubs and trees take the limelight. Some will remain green throughout the season, but others will perform amazing displays of colour transformation over the coming weeks.
Gardening in Autumn
Work undertaken in the garden during autumn can pay dividends for the success of your borders, lawn and raised vegetable beds next year.
Collect Seeds
In autumn many plants have produced seed heads which have dried and are ready to pick. It is best to harvest seeds on a dry day, when the sun has had time to burn off any early morning dew. Simply snip off the seed head with a pair of scissors, place it in an envelope with the name of the plant written on.
Some seeds just shake out of their pods, whilst others need a bit more effort to be released. Ensure all seeds are completely dry before sealing the envelope, as damp seeds will rot. Once sealed the envelopes should be stored in a dark, cool and dry environment. In spring these seeds can be sown and the seedlings planted throughout your garden. This can save a fortune in purchasing new plants.
Plant Bulbs
The emergence of crocuses, daffodils and snowdrops can be the most welcome sight towards the end of winter. To ensure a riot of colour in the spring, now is the ideal time to plant bulbs. Dig a hole of around three times the depth of the bulb and drop it in with the point of the bulb pointing up. Cover with soil and press to firm up the soil around the bulb.
It is best to plant bulbs in groups, rather than lines, as this produces a more natural effect when they flower. Bulbs can be planted in pots as well as in the borders, which can add spring colour to courtyards, balconies and patio areas.
Select Shrubs
As the summer foliage dies away, it is easier to inspect your garden and make decisions on which areas could benefit from additional planting. If you are looking to add more structure, colour or height in the garden, shrubs can provide the answer.
Autumn is a good time to plant shrubs, as the soil is still warm from the summer and this, along with the wetter conditions of a typical autumn help the plant to establish strong root growth. This will help the shrub to survive the winter and be more resistant to hot dry spells the following summer.
When selecting shrubs for your garden, use the information on labels to help you find plants that benefit from the conditions where you plan to position it. For example, does the shrub prefer full sun or shade, acidic or alkaline soils? Finding a good match will lead to the best results.
Help with Garden Landscaping
If you are looking to achieve a colourful and stunning garden, but haven't the time or inclination to take on the landscaping, Maidenhead based Thames Valley Landscapes can undertake the work. From recommending, purchasing and planting bulbs and shrubs that will create the look you want to achieve, through to hard landscaping, such as erecting fences, laying patios and creating raised borders, Thames Valley Landscapes [http://www.thamesvalleylandscapes.co.uk/] will work to the highest standards.
Gardening in Autumn
Work undertaken in the garden during autumn can pay dividends for the success of your borders, lawn and raised vegetable beds next year.
Collect Seeds
In autumn many plants have produced seed heads which have dried and are ready to pick. It is best to harvest seeds on a dry day, when the sun has had time to burn off any early morning dew. Simply snip off the seed head with a pair of scissors, place it in an envelope with the name of the plant written on.
Some seeds just shake out of their pods, whilst others need a bit more effort to be released. Ensure all seeds are completely dry before sealing the envelope, as damp seeds will rot. Once sealed the envelopes should be stored in a dark, cool and dry environment. In spring these seeds can be sown and the seedlings planted throughout your garden. This can save a fortune in purchasing new plants.
Plant Bulbs
The emergence of crocuses, daffodils and snowdrops can be the most welcome sight towards the end of winter. To ensure a riot of colour in the spring, now is the ideal time to plant bulbs. Dig a hole of around three times the depth of the bulb and drop it in with the point of the bulb pointing up. Cover with soil and press to firm up the soil around the bulb.
It is best to plant bulbs in groups, rather than lines, as this produces a more natural effect when they flower. Bulbs can be planted in pots as well as in the borders, which can add spring colour to courtyards, balconies and patio areas.
Select Shrubs
As the summer foliage dies away, it is easier to inspect your garden and make decisions on which areas could benefit from additional planting. If you are looking to add more structure, colour or height in the garden, shrubs can provide the answer.
Autumn is a good time to plant shrubs, as the soil is still warm from the summer and this, along with the wetter conditions of a typical autumn help the plant to establish strong root growth. This will help the shrub to survive the winter and be more resistant to hot dry spells the following summer.
When selecting shrubs for your garden, use the information on labels to help you find plants that benefit from the conditions where you plan to position it. For example, does the shrub prefer full sun or shade, acidic or alkaline soils? Finding a good match will lead to the best results.
Help with Garden Landscaping
If you are looking to achieve a colourful and stunning garden, but haven't the time or inclination to take on the landscaping, Maidenhead based Thames Valley Landscapes can undertake the work. From recommending, purchasing and planting bulbs and shrubs that will create the look you want to achieve, through to hard landscaping, such as erecting fences, laying patios and creating raised borders, Thames Valley Landscapes [http://www.thamesvalleylandscapes.co.uk/] will work to the highest standards.
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