In Gardeners World episode 24 2015, whilst enjoying the late season colour in the Jewel Garden as the summer begins to fade, Monty Don turns his attention to his spring borders which are in need of refurbishment if they are going to pack a punch early next year.
Gardeners World episode 24 2015:
Protect dahlias from earwigs
Earwigs like to eat the flowers and leaves of dahlias, with the older foliage sometimes being reduced to a network of veins. The earwigs hide in sheltered places during the day and emerge after dark to feed. By filling upturned flower pots with straw or shredded paper and placing them on top of canes amongst your plants, you can trap the culprits by providing them with somewhere to hide. Check the pots daily and deal with any hidden earwigs as you see fit!
Keep camellias & rhododendrons well watered
At this time of year, it’s worth keeping your camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas well watered. The plants are forming their flower buds for next spring and it’s important that they don’t dry out otherwise they may drop off before they open. Give them a good soak every week for the next month and they should put on a good display next spring. Be especially mindful of specimens growing in pots and if you have any under the eaves of your house, move them out so they can catch the rain. Camellias are one of the most popular winter- and spring-flowering shrubs, providing a vivid splash of colour when little else is in bloom. Although they need acid soil, they are easy to grow in containers of ericaceous (acidic) potting compost.
Pot up mint to overwinter indoors
You can ensure a supply of mint through the winter by potting up a clump now and cutting back the top growth. Once you’ve given it a good drink, place it on a bright windowsill or in a greenhouse, and as your outdoor mint starts to dies back, you’ll have a fresh source of leaves for the kitchen. A continuous medley of aromatic, fresh herbs are easy to grow and harvest, adding vibrant flavours and texture to any meal.
