September was calm, sunny and warm with cool overnight temperatures; classic text book weather for early autumn. Then on cue towards the month-end blustery winds arrived bringing heavy rain to the start of October.
Summer perennials have finished their work for this year and the focus moves to star early autumn performers – Japanese anemone and Sedum spectabile. (Sedum’s name changed to ‘Hylotelephium’ but is still known as Sedum or ‘Ice plant’).
The Japanese anemone appears in late summer, producing tall stems with simple, pale pink flowers and a circle of gold stamens in the centre. There is also a taller variety that has pure-white flowers; both are easy to grow and tolerate shade. The Ice plant has fleshy silver-green leaves on long stems topped by flat speckled pink flower-heads – made up of tiny little star shaped blooms which attract bees and butterflies. As the flowers age they turn a rich, dark pink. There is also a white flowered Ice Plant – appropriately named ‘Iceberg’.
Hedychium ‘Tara’ or the Ginger lily is one of the more unusual and exotic herbaceous perennials – with its striking 2m long stems and lance-shaped leaves. It produces fragrant orange flowers from late summer through October. There are many different varieties available – any would make a stunning centre piece in the border – or in a large container on the balcony / patio. The Ginger lily is relatively easy to grow and is usually planted in May; some varieties will need protection in very cold winters (a heavy mulch or horticultural fleece).
There are many small trees and shrubs providing interest – Rosa rugosa has lovely deep red rosehips. The traditional hedgerow tree/shrub Hawthorn has little bundles of maroon-red berries. More common in a town garden is Pyracantha – now laden with bright orange berries (not edible) as is the Cotoneaster.
The summer perennials need to be cut back (if not already done). After general weeding start to lightly fork over compacted areas loosening soil. This also helps to expose larvae hidden in the ground and gives birds access to a food source – helping to control the insect larvae of moths, vine weevils plus slug and snail eggs.
As we reach mid-autumn there is little sign of the leaves changing into their seasonal displays. However, temperatures are gradually falling and day light hours continue to shorten – this will bring colour change and leaf drop. Then the work of clearing and chasing down swirling piles of leaves begins. British Summer Time ends on 31st October and the clocks go back one hour.
November is the time to plan tree and shrub planting; and it is the last chance to plant Tulip bulbs.