November in the Garden
Over the past few weeks, there's a question that has cropped up half a dozen or so times. "Is this a good time of year to do the garden?" Locally to us, the answer is a resounding "yes". So long as heavy frosts for days at a time aren't forecast - unlikely for a while - there's not a lot that can't be done at the moment.
Sad looking lawns still seems to be the biggest criticism people have of their own gardens. Apart from the condition of the lawn - weed content, moss, bare patches etc, the main problem is lack of definition between lawn and beds. Grass spreads by creeping, so putting a barrier, or decorative edge around it will keep it looking good all the year. Turning our attention back to the condition of the lawn itself, a bit of TLC now is a good idea. Our TV gardeners have been reminding us of the techniques & benefits of good old fashioned autumn lawn care. However, if spending Friday night in watching Alan Titchmarsh or Joe Swift isn't your idea of a good time, here's a reminder. A quick rake over to get out the dead grass; spike it all over with a fork and then brush in some top dressing. They've got plenty up at the garden centre at the race course and a few bags is all you need. For those with access to the web, www.rhs.org.uk has handy fact-sheets for all sorts of gardening activities. Those without web access or who just prefer to sit down and read a magazine, could take a look at the RHS magazine - The Garden . I'd be surprised if our fantastic library doesn't have a load of back issues to browse through.
The autumn / winter is a good time for renovating or renewing tired or damaged shrubs, trees and perennials. We tend to forget that as living things, plants have a limited life span too. Many so-called problem plants that people point out to me in their gardens are simply plants that are past their best or were planted in the wrong place.
With deciduous plants shedding their leaves we have access to walls, fences and sheds that might need maintaining or even replacing. There's a wide range of trellis, fencing and storage solutions that are now available, in all sorts of different materials and designs.
For those of you that have been considering bigger plans, like maybe updating a tired patio, now's a good time to get on with this. It's usually the first warm weather of spring that gets people motivated to sort their gardens out, but why not get ahead of the game?
Finally a reminder to check bonfires for wildlife, like hibernating hedge-hogs, frogs and toads before lighting them.
Best wishes,
Lisa
For an initial consultation call Lisa on 01273 500407 or 07957 751218 or email her at info@lilybud.co.uk
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