Autumn is natures natural time for planting but we’ve forgotten about it. Since we tend to be nation that doesn’t mind being outside if its warm and the days are longer once the late September arrives and it rains more often the garden is closed even if it’s just in our minds. Understandable really.
However, since our soils have been baked all summer the are very warm and amazingly any harden plant you plant will start growing new roots and continue to until mid December. This is actually really good for the plants. It means that when they have to face the drying winds of April and the baking summer sun they already have a head start on any planting you do in spring because their roots are already dirty and deep.
Autumn planted hardy garden plants settling into warm soils are also going to receive natural watering as the season advances due to increasing frequency of rain. It saves you needing to drag your watering can around the garden too. A thorough watering in at first is definitely a good idea. It washes the soils into the roots too. The cooler weather is not conducive to insect pests either so plants aren’t likely to be eaten then either.
Shrubs, and evergreens for special Autumn and winter interest.
Japanese Maples – Acer palmatum varieties. – Growing from as short as 3 feet (90cm) to small trees of 15 feet (4.5m). they love slightly acid soil, light shade and a spot out of the morning sun and out of the wind. THey have amazing autumn coloured leaves as they prepare to fall. Read more here
Spring flowers from bulbs
Autumn and winter pots
Edibles
