September October Garden Tasks

commuterised

hello all,

I moved house in May and I know have a lovely 13 year old garden that I'm trying to put my stamp on. I have never had responsibility of a garden before so I'm trying to learn what to do, how and when to do it.
My husband looks after mowing the lawn and I'm looking after trees/shrubs/plants.

My first task was pruning the rose bush which I hope I did ok. I've been making sure the dead leaves are brushed of the lawn as I heard this is not good for the grass.

At this point in time I only have bushes and shrubs in the garden. I would love to plant something that will give some colour, that is hardy or even something that will blood in spring. Can anyone give me some ideas of what to do in my garden at this time of year? All suggestions welcome!

unkel

Primroses and pansies are available now and will be lovely in borders (between your shrubs) and will flower until spring. You could also consider planting bulbs, but in your case I would be hesitant as there may be bulbs in your garden already.

Some advice I read somewhere about buying a house with an established garden: don't do anything for the first year - just watch and see what is there first

commuterised

good tip thanks!

Victor

Do not cut the grass too tight for the winter, adjust the wheels on the mower to a slightly higher setting.

When the trees go dormant, trim back any that have been a nuisance (especially on footpaths and to neighbours). There is nothing like being poked in the face by a branch you did not see in the middle of the night during winter, while staggering along the footpath on the way home from the pub. Note branches tend to be lower in summer because to the weight of leaves and fruit.

Bring in / put in green house any plants you think might be sensitive to frost.

yankinlk

these were great, keep going!

1. what do i do with the gas mower for winter?
2. i heard this is the best time to trim the hedges out front, correct?
3. what about preparing a section for vegetable garden? i have some land that used to have a shed on it. Its very hard and looks like clay. what should i add to make it fertile.

Victor

Originally posted by yankinlk
3. what about preparing a section for vegetable garden? i have some land that used to have a shed on it. Its very hard and looks like clay. what should i add to make it fertile.

Steal leaves from leafy roads, compost and dig them into the soil in the spring.

PhilipMarlowe

1. You mightn't be quite finished yet with the mower but when you are, it's a good time to get it serviced and sharpened...

2. You can trim conifer hedges (again) now but don't cut into old wood...

3. Like victor said, gather up leaves to make leafmould over the winter. But I'd dig over that soil now, leaving it exposed to the winter frosts. Next January, when the soil is frozen, would be a good time to spread FarmYard Manure over the soil and the weather should help incorporate it into the soil before you dig it agin in preparation for those veg.