Dry, dry and yet more dry. Have I really opened every article across the past four months with anguished mutterings about the lack of rain. It really has been quite extraordinary and how things have struggled. I have two Silver Birch trees in the garden, that look so sad, the tops fried and the lower leaves surrendering, indeed there is a confetti drift of fallen leaves wherever you look.

The crops have had a real struggle too, with the fruit and grain harvests all looking light. It will change though and as is nature’s way, will deliver some surprises and no doubt some bounteous moments. Having made a decision to plant more French beans last month, we are already being rewarded. We now stand on the edge of autumn, and a new season beckons.

When the weather does turn there will be plenty to do and garden centres are bursting with offerings for September planting. The winter pansies and violas are about as are autumn Chrysanthemums and these can be planted as spaces are freed up. These autumn Chrysanths have become very popular in recent years, but it is worth getting them early to get the best from them. They don’t really enjoy very severe cold, when they are blooming, they are quite spectacular though. Keep an eye open for wallflowers and other over wintering bedding, September is a good month to settle these things, allowing a decent root formation ahead of winter.

There are also plenty of bulbs around now, with everything from crocus and snowdrops through to daffodils and tulips all teasing with the promise of a colourful spring. I will once more be committing my money to the tulips, having visited the Dutch Tulip fields in April this year I just have to have more.

On the vegetable plot find space for Spring Cabbage and for Japanese over wintering onion sets (which are great value and deliver early). Its still worth playing with a bit of late salad and if you to extend that grab some seed for Winter Density lettuce.
And finally, If you have managed to hold on to any summer bedding, especially in containers just keep them fed and watered. They could perform for at least another six weeks.

Happy Gardening

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