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FLOWER power

17 April 2009

 
The weather in early September remained settled and exceptionally warm, but gradually temperatures are becoming cooler and autumn gales may be around the corner!

The late summer and early autumn plants such as Rudbeckia (large yellow-gold daisy like flowers) Sedum with its soft pink clusters of flowers, the Dahlia and Michaelmass daisies are in full bloom.

Preparations can be started to ensure plants are in place for flowering next year. At the end of September the planting season for trees and shrubs begins (and continues for several months). There is plenty of time to plan new beds, prepare the ground and choose the specimens for planting. Fruit trees, conifers, bulbs and different types of shrubs can be put in during the autumn and winter months.

Houseplants that have spent the spring and summer months outside can remain through September if the weather is mild; check for pests (red spider mite and aphids) and diseases before bringing the plants back inside. If they are affected treat them with organic sprays. Reduce watering and feeding and make sure any dead leaves are removed.

Window box displays are ready for a seasonal change of plants, remove the summer annuals and replace with the autumn and winter plants such as viola, pansy and miniature cyclamen; these should be available in the garden centres and markets by the end of the month.

If the soil in the window boxes is more than two years old change it completely; after a time the structure becomes poor, even after seasonal top ups with new compost. Also, old soil can harbour pests such as the destructive vine weevil (a beetle that eats leaves but its larvae live in the soil and feast on plant roots).

Grass areas and lawns may need some repairs after the warm dry spell of weather. Rake the lawn to remove debris and aerate the surface using a fork, re-seed now or lay new turf in October. Hedges will need their final cut of the season, although if the weather remains warm it may be necessary to trim again before cooler conditions set in.

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