AWMonth in the Garden ith the days nials such as asters and sedums. Before soil. Also apply an autumn fertiliser and mowing can be reduced when the lawn starts to grow at a slower rate. b e c o m i n g autumn sets in, roses still need to be shorter and nights sprayed against mildew and hedges Planting at this time ofyear will allow perennials and shrubs to settle in before the harsh winter weather, and they will get o to a good start next spring. • longer and cooler, this is the time to enjoy the last throes offlowering from late peren- neatly clipped. Late September is the perfect time to either sow new lawns or renovate old ones. Scari vigorously to remove debris and spike to allow air into the Top Plants for Clay Soil The problem with clay is. . . . . . .well, where shall I start? Yet on a positive note, clay soil is rich in nutrients, does not erode easily and retains water well. But it is also di icult to work, prone to compaction, and is slow to warm up in _spring. To improve clay soils, avoid walking on or cultivating beds during wet weather, and add manure, garden compost, mushroom compost or green waste to improve the structure. These can be forked in or applied as a mulch. Other additives are available such as Lime and Gypsum, (which is included in products such as 'Clay Breaker'). Both alter the way clay particulates bind together, but require a few seasons to work. I recommend copious quantities of manure rked in to begin with, followed by a 3"- 4" deep mulch of green waste every spring. But don't waste time trying to grow unsuitable plants that struggle with your soil, there are plants that flourish in these conditions, my top choices are listed as follows: Linette Applegate Grasses Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' Trees Betula utilis var. jacquemontii Catalpa bignoniodes Magnolia x soulangeana Climbers Vitis coignetiae Perennia Hemerocallis 'Catherine Woodbery' Geranium himalayense Helleborus orientale Shrubs Choisya ternata Viburnum carlesii Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' Weigela 'Bristol Ruby' Betida uti var. jacquemontii For information on Plant of the Month Echinops ritro 'Veitch's Blue' For some strange reason, the story behind the -,. To advertise on the gardeni page phone 01234 713298 GENERAL GARDENING WORK • Small Tree Works • • Pruning • Planting • • Tur ng • Weeding • • Hedge Cu ing Se ice • • Lawn Cu ing Se ice • Shed & Garage Clearance etc Ci & Guilds Qua ed Reasonable Rates CALL EDDIE ON TEL 01908 612889 MOBILE 07786 61 2751 --- --- ----- - The Olney and District Gardening Group and indeed, a tightly curled hedgehog springs to mind. The globe thistle is such a forgiving plant - it will survive on poor thin soil, will tolerate sun or partial shade, does not need staking, the metallic sheen to the flowers last for a month, and does not need the old flower-heads removing as these are attractive in their own right. It rarely succumbs to pests and diseases, and the wildlife loves it! Watch bees scramble over each flower during the daytime, and at night moths take over. The spherical heads appear above green leaves, silvery underneath and rigid stems, at a height of 60cm (24 inches), and spreads to 45cm ( 1 8 inches) . It will happily self seed, and if this becomes a nuisance, dead-head the flowers before they set seed. • latin name herbaceous perennial has always stayed with me. Echinops comes om the Greek words echinos - a hedgehog or sea-urchin and apsis-resembling. One touch of the splendid, steel-blue globes -t of this Phone Elaine Herniman 01234 712484 GFS Garden Clearance and General Tidying Up Cutting Back and Pruning Fencing, Turfing, Hedge Clipping Patios and Paths Jet Washed Rubbish Removed All Carried Out Professionally and Courteously at Sensible Rates Mob: 07740 715158 Tel: 01234 714345 www. applegategardens.com rden plans avai ble instant online om £9.99 PAGE 38 PHONEBOX