Autumn Gardening: Alex’s Top Tips for October
04.10.2024
Gardening Tips for OCTOBER
As we embrace the beauty of autumn, it’s time to prepare your garden for the changing seasons ahead. With a few essential tasks, you can ensure your outdoor space remains vibrant and thriving as the colder months approach. Here’s your October checklist to keep your garden in top shape:
Planting Trees and Shrubs: October is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs as the soil remains warm. Be sure to tie in or stake any plants that may be susceptible to windy conditions.
Lawn Care: Give your lawn some extra love this month by applying an autumn lawn feed, helping it thrive through the colder months.
Support Hedgehogs: Provide a cozy habitat for hedgehogs to hibernate over winter. Our hedgehog houses are perfect for this purpose.
Sow Sweet Peas: Prepare for a stunning display of sweet peas next summer by sowing seeds now. Protect the seedlings in a cold frame or greenhouse throughout winter.
Plant Garlic: Don’t forget to plant garlic this month! The cloves will benefit from a period of cold weather, aiding in their development.
Spring Bulbs: Continue planting spring bulbs to ensure beautiful displays come next year.
Help Garden Birds: As autumn deepens, garden birds will need assistance in finding food. We offer a range of bird feeders, tables, and seeds to keep them well-fed.
Invest in a Cold Frame: Consider adding a cold frame to your garden to shelter tender or young plants during the colder months.
Leaf Collection: Rake up fallen leaves and store them to create your own leaf mould, enriching your garden soil in the process.
Autumn Displays: Brighten up your garden with cheerful autumn pots and hanging baskets filled with heathers, cyclamen, and violas.
OCTOBER Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Nandina
Introducing our Plant of the Month: the stunning Nandina, selected by Kirsten! These charming, upright evergreen shrubs are a fantastic addition to any garden, adding vibrant colour and striking structure throughout the year.
Fully hardy in the UK, Nandinas thrive even in harsh winters and adapt well to a variety of soils. Their drought-resistant nature makes them an easy-to-grow choice, perfect for gardeners seeking fuss-free beauty.
Give your Nandina plenty of sunshine, and watch as they reward you with spectacular bright red and green foliage. With a variety of cultivars available, you can find options that feature lime green hues, along with pink, white, and green variegation to suit your garden’s aesthetic.
Nandinas come in a range of sizes, with the largest cultivars reaching around 2.5m x 1.5m in 10-20 years, while dwarf varieties fit snugly into smaller spaces at approximately 1m x 1m.
Explore the vibrant world of Nandina and elevate your borders with this low-maintenance beauty!
Houseplant of the month
Phalaenopsis
Jenny’s Pick
This month, our very own Jenny has selected the elegant Phalaenopsis, often called the “Moth Orchid.” With its striking, exotic blooms and graceful charm, this stunning plant is a perfect choice for anyone looking to add a touch of beauty and tranquillity to their space.
More Than Just a Showstopper
With its elegant, exotic blooms, the Phalaenopsis orchid adds a touch of sophistication to any room. Jenny loves how these long-lasting flowers bring a sense of tranquillity, whether perched on a windowsill or brightening up a table. And the best part? With a little love, this beauty will bloom again and again.
Jenny’s Care Tips
Light & Location:
Phalaenopsis orchids thrive in bright, indirect light. Jenny recommends placing them near a window but avoiding direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. If you notice the leaves turning yellow, they may need a bit more shade.
Water & Humidity:
Jenny’s advice? Water once a week in summer and a little less in winter. Always be mindful not to let the plant sit in water, as this can lead to root rot. A light misting of the foliage during warmer months will help maintain the right humidity.
A Repeat Bloomer
One of Jenny’s favourite things about Phalaenopsis is their ability to flower multiple times. After the blooms fade, simply trim the stem just above a node, and new flowers could appear, keeping your home filled with colour.
Friendly Reminder
Phalaenopsis orchids are non-toxic to pets, so they’re safe to display in homes with curious cats or dogs.
looking after houseplants
