Plenty of colour in the garden

There’s still plenty of colour in the garden. My flowers have all benefited from the recent sun. Roses which I thought were over have sent out new buds. The dahlias are magnificent and will remain so until the first frost. After a miserable August, September has been a fabulous month.

Asters in full bloom

The asters are still in full bloom. My Monch have been seething with flowers all summer and they show no sign of stopping. Their beautiful lavender blue blooms are covered in bees and butterflies. I get a buzz from all the buzzing every time I walk past them.

Late summer show from the dierama

The dierama are also putting on a late summer show. The blooms wave in the wind like fairy wands. They have taken over from the pulcherrimum which are beginning to die down. However, there are still enough of their pink fishing rod flowers to add a dash of colour and movement in the garden.

Another plant which blooms into autumn is the salvia. Confertiflora has unusual velvety red flowers well into November. It contrasts well against the sky blue Uliginosa. Black and Blue is also providing some very welcome colour.

Start thinking about winter

Despite the warm weather and the colourful flowers I need to start thinking about winter. I have been digging up annuals which are past their best. My pruning shears have been sharpened ready for some serious cutting back.

The greenhouse is still full of tomatoes, peppers and chillies. I will soon need to take them out to provide space for pots which need over-wintering away from the dangers of frost.

Welcome spring visitor

I have a very unseasonal flower. A narcissus which has been dormant in an outdoor pot all summer has decided to bloom. It might be six months early but it is very welcome.

It has reminded me that now is the time to plant bulbs for next spring.

Mixed emotions for Chelsea

I enjoyed watching the Chelsea Flower Show on television. It was good to see it going ahead although I was sad not to be there. It has been a very difficult two years for everyone who grows plants for a living. But, fingers crossed, next year will be better. My lupins will be back where they belong.

Gardening tips – If it is dry enough mow the lawn. You never know when it will be too wet to mow until next spring. Plant bulbs including snowdrops, crocus and daffodils. Keep dead heading flowers to prolong displays.  Water pots sparingly. Remove dead and dying foliage. Bring tender plants into the greenhouse or a cold frame to overwinter.

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