Welcome to Seasonal Gardening

September Gardening Tasks

There is still time during September to take semi-ripe cuttings of shrubs and some tender perennials ready for over-wintering in the greenhouse. Use vigorous shoots from this seasons growth as cutting material. See our easy step by step guide for instructions on taking semi-ripe cuttings.

Now that autumn is well on its way (autumn usually starts in the UK on 21st of September), there is little to do in the garden apart from tidying-up plants and flowers that have finished flowering. As well as continuing to watering containers and hanging baskets, don't forget to keep watering any early flowering shrubs, especially azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons, to encourage next year's buds to form. If early flowering shrubs are allowed to dry-out then these precious buds are likely to drop off.

Take time this month to clean-up the greenhouse. Tidy-up and remove dead leaves and debris that might harbour over-wintering pests and give the greenhouse a thorough clean. Remove any shading from the glass and check that greenhouse heaters are in working order before the frosts arrive.

Plant of the Month

Hydrangea

Spectacular large round or flat lacecaps flower heads decorate this rich green leafed shrub as part of the late summer scene. Prefers a moist but well-drained soil and can tollerate a little shade. Red and pink varieties need alkaline soil, shades of blue and white need slightly acidic conditions.

Garden of the Month

Grimsthorpe Hall - Lincs

This elegant stone built Tudor house is ranged around an open courtyard and quadrangle, set in 200 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. The grounds host a family cycle trail, woodland adventure playground and minibus guided tours of the park.