The garden in November

This is a great time of year to go out and enjoy the shapes and colours which occur naturally both in the garden and in the wild...

 
Euonymus europaeus

At the other end of the spectrum, how about the colour of these blue  seed pods from Decaisnea fargesii?

Decaisnea fargesii

Autumn is a tricky time in the garden, but there are plenty of things to be getting on with. Mainly tidying up from the heady heights of the blazing colour splash of summer, but also planning for the new growing season by planting spring bulbs.

The colours on the trees and various shrubs are stunning at the moment, and are giving their final show before dormancy sets in and the cold winter months are soon upon us.

Acer 'Osakazuki' leaves

So, in your own garden...

Herbaceous

Cut back the remaining plants which have now finished flowering and have died back. If you are planting dormant plants keep an eye out for slugs.


Hedges

If these are being planted now, finish as soon as possible, heeling in any plants which are not yet ready to put in the ground.


Water features and aquatic plants

Remove old leaves and thin aquatic plants. Foliage on marginal plants and rushes can be left as protection from the coming severe weather.  Overhaul fountain and waterfall pumps to overhaul and remove submersible pumps checking then storing in a dry place for winter.


Bulbs

A massive range of bulbs are available to plant this time of year from bold and brash bright yellow Daffodils to delicate white snowdrops and Grape hyacinths. To find out more about bulbs, click here.

Galanthus (Snowdrops) in Spring.

Lawns

Continue to aerate the lawn and apply autumn fertilizer. Make the final cut of the lawn for the year and use the winter as an opportunity to service your mower.


Fruit and Vegetables

Harvesting of winter Cabbages and Cauliflower. Leeks will be ready too. Plant Garlic, Broad Beans, Peas and green manure crops. Net your crops from pigeons. Prune apple and pear trees now. Split and plant rhubarb in November.


General

Hardy perennials which have been raised from seed can be planted out now but make sure it is mild weather. Good time to plant Rhododendrons and Azaleas .


The garden advice and plant information contained on this email has been created as accurately as possible, but localised weather conditions and yearly variations in climate mean that information should be used as a general guide only and acted upon accordingly.

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