Your Garden In September
Summer is coming to an end with the month of September generally being a cooler month than August. The days are becoming noticeably shorter, but the weather is, however usually warm and calm, giving us the ideal conditions to plant trees and shrubs. It’s a great time of the year to appreciate those long lasting plants that flower into autumn and if you have a fruit or vegetable patch you’ll be busy reaping the rewards of a hopefully successful harvest. Don’t forget - if you look forward to a great spring display of colour then now is the time to buy and plant your bulbs. Whatever you’re doing in your garden this month, be sure to make the most of the remaining warmth while you can.
Divide herbaceous perennials September is a good month to lift and divide summer-flowering herbaceous perennials. Most perennials need to be divided every three to five years as the plant can become too big for the border and become congested. Dividing will invigorate the plant and help to improve flowering and overall shape next year. Gently dig out the plant you want to divide, being careful not to damage the roots. Use a garden fork to separate the plant into two then shake of any excess soil and replant in your chosen spot as soon as possible. 38
Take Perennial cuttings Take cuttings of perennials such as fuchsia, salvia, verbena, penstemon and chrysanthemum. It’s a great way to increase the number of plants you have for your summer display and there’s something really satisfying about seeing plants grow that you’ve created yourself. Find some strong growth that hasn’t flowered this year and cut a 5 - 10 cm stem just below a leaf joint. Strip the leaves from the lower stem and leave one or two pairs at the top. Dip the end in hormone rooting powder and plant in pots of compost mixed with grit. Leave the pots somewhere bright and warm until rooted then re-pot into larger containers. Over winter in the greenhouse or conservatory. Plant spring flowering bulbs Bulbs make a fine display planted in containers and borders, especially Tulips, Snowdrops and Daffodils. They are one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow and are great for adding colour to spring borders.
