Gardening Advice for September

There is no doubt that the shortening days and chilly mornings are a foretaste of Autumn: the robin has found his voice, fruit and berries are ripening, dahlias and chrysanthemums are coming into their full beauty, while the dazzling plumes of Hydrangea paniculata add the wow factor.

This is an important month for pollinating insects which are busy stocking up on pollen and nectar to carry them through to Spring and the many lovely flowers of Autumn play such a vital role in this: Michaelmas daisies, Japanese anemones, Sedum, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Salvia and Cyclamen hederifolium are such valuable food sources for pollinators and no garden should be without them!

With the beginning of the bulb season, it’s also time to plan ahead for Spring and make your bulb purchases, selecting from a wonderful range of familiar favourites as well as exciting new introductions. There are many Autumn flower shows this month including the Harrogate Flower Show and the RHS Malvern Autumn Show, always worth a visit for inspirational gardening ideas.