What a funny month that was? Frustratingly soggy for working. There was plenty of work to do in the garden, but you really had to snatch your moments. One or two frosts inflicted enough damage to encourage the removal and replacement of bedding, but the ground has not been easy to work. The Dahlias were a nightmare to lift and I will need to dry them out well if the tubers are to survive in the garage through the winter.

I have just waded out when the mood had taken, pulled out summer’s leftovers and pushed in bits of autumn and winter bedding. The pansies have sulked a bit, but the wallflowers and sweet williams look ok and if there is any improvement in the weather I shall bash in a few more. They will catch up in the spring. Should you decide to try your luck, there is still plenty of stock everywhere. I still have a few bulbs to get in too. I always think late November early December is fine, especially for tulips (and that’s what I’ve got). I do still have it in mind to plant a few bits of bare root hedging and am going to put out a few more raspberries.

My real priority is going to be the cleaning up though. Pests just love a bit of winter shelter and many fungal spores will also enjoy the cover in the months ahead. So any rubbish that can be removed is useful and that of course includes the Autumn leaf fall (which was very late). Get stuff onto the compost heap at least. I’ve had fantastic compost this year from mine and encourage everyone to create one. I am always amazed by the speed with which nature rips vegetable taste and turns it around to be re-used. If you have roses in the garden then the debris from them is best committed to your green bin. Black spot spores will lie in wait for next season and don’t need encouragement.

As we move towards Christmas then start looking at seeds for 2024, seed racks are full of new and tantalising things. I find it hugely uplifting to explore ranges. There is much promise in the imminence of new beginnings. Seeds make great stock fillers too.

And finally. It’s Christmas pot plant time and we always see casualties across the period. Most are over watered. Keep watering light and regular only if needed. Wet plants sulk.

Happy Gardening.

Chris Evans
www.dundrynurseries.co.uk
www.thebutterflygarden.org