Page 56 - Phonebox Magazine October 2009

A Month in the Garden
Linette Applegate of Toddington Manor
Summer is over, Winter is on the way. But don’t by disheartened, Autumn is here! All those wonderful golden hues of dying foliage and crispy seed-heads can look wonderful in the morning light. Grasses are wonderful this time of year and add structure to any garden, whilst for a splash of colour, Autumn bulbs shine like jewels. Add to these the colourful tones of yellow, red and orange of autumn leaves before they drop, and enjoy the cooler days with the sunshine slanting through the trees before it really gets cold and wet!
Before the end of October, plant bulbs for next year except for tulips, which if planted in November have less risk of developing virus. The damp atmosphere provides ideal conditions to carry out all lawn work, either creating new lawns or repairing, aerating and scarifying existing ones.
Herbaceous perennials can be tidied up for winter, unless the old flowers or seed-heads are deemed attractive in their own right. (Birds may also benefit from this decision) Cut old foliage right back to the ground and remove any debris.
Plant of the Month Liriope muscari
If you have an awkward patch where nothing seems to thrive, consider the versatile Lilyturf. It forms an evergreen mat of neat, low, grassy foliage, and blooms throughout autumn.
Its violet buds held along short upright spikes open from august onwards, turning the green carpet violet through to November. Great for mass planting in its own right, it also looks good in a mixed border, especially along the front or under shrubs. Try growing spring bulbs amongst it for year round interest.
Tolerent of many ‘problem’ situations, such as light shade under trees and shrubs, dry soils, it needs little care once established and is easily divided by simply digging up a clumb and splitting with your hands, planting the smaller pieces as soon as possible. Reaching a height of 30cm and spreading 45 cm wide, it can swamp less robust plants, but can easily be moved and replanted.
Bernard Crook Garden Services
Sherington Nurseries
Bedford Road, Sherington MK16 9NQ
Call us 01908 610236 Shop 01908 210672 or better still come in and talk with us at The Nurseries
Come and see us at The Nurseries for all your gardening needs
LARGE RANGE OF AUTUMN BEDDING
PANSIES • VIOLAS • WALLFLOWERS FORGET-ME-KNOTS • BULBS
FOLIAGE PLANTS FOR BASKETS & POTS
A509OLNEY SHERINGTON
FOUNDED 1963
YEARS OF KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL ~ COME AND ENJOY
SHERINGTON NURSERIES
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www.SheringtonNurseries.co.uk
CHICHELEY
If you want assistance, we are more than willing to undertake design, landscaping and maintenance work
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MON-SAT 9.30AM-5PM SUN 10AM-4PM
56 Phonebox Magazine
A422
Bedford Rd