November in the Garden
Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy watching the leaves change, spotting rose hips and developing seed heads in the garden.
Autumn is not just a time for change; it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to be planting, mulching, and tidying up your garden.
Planting: A Time for New Beginnings
Autumn is an ideal season for planting, especially bare root varieties like trees, shrubs, and roses. Recently, we planted the Seven Son Flower Tree (Heptacodium miconoides) in Crowborough, this is a tree that delivers beauty year round and is a very exciting new development for a local garden we care for.
Mulching to Nourish Your Soil
Adding a thick layer of mulch in autumn is one of the best ways to enhance soil quality. As the mulch settles, it will integrate into the soil, providing essential nutrients for the plants that call your garden home. This not only benefits existing plants but also helps to retain moisture during the winter. We can order bulk compost in for you and mulch your beds on our monthly visit. Let us know if this is something you would like.
Clearing Leaves: Keep It Tidy
Clearing fallen leaves from lawns and the tops of perennials is crucial to prevent suffocation of the plants underneath. Not only does this practice protect your garden’s health, but it also creates a fresh, tidy appearance for yourself and visitors to appreciate.
Cutting Back: Prepare for Winter
As summer fades, it’s time to tackle old plant growth. We will be trimming back any brown, tatty stems right down to the ground or to a healthy bud. We will be thoughtful about this process and consider leaving architectural stems uncut as these that can offer stunning visuals when draped in dew, frost, snow and morning light. They can also offer vital food for birds and other animals over winter.
Planting Bulbs: Time for Tulips
November is the ideal time to plant tulips, as it helps prevent Tulip Fire, a common fungal disease. We can’t wait to see your bulb orders appearing next Spring.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial during this season to maintain the health and shape of various plants. We will be considering pruning:
Fruit Trees: Pear and apple trees to encourage healthy growth and fruiting.
Grapevines: Trimming back to promote air circulation and prevent disease.
Gooseberries and Kiwi Climbers: Cut back older stems to foster new growth.
Proper pruning now will ensure a more productive and visually appealing garden.
Weeding
With the leaves falling and the branches being bare it can be easier to spot weeds among your shrubs and trees. We will continue tto work on removing them to prevent competition for nutrients and water. A weeded garden not only looks great but also supports the health of your plants.
Plants to Enjoy This Month
As you tend to your garden, take a moment to appreciate these beautiful plants that thrive in November:
Skimmia Japonica ‘Rubella’: This evergreen shrub offers stunning red berries and fragrant flowers.
Pennisetum: Known for its feathery plumes, this grass adds texture and movement to your garden.
Cardoons: With their architectural form, cardoons provide interest even in late autumn.
Cornus (Dogwood): The colorful stems of dogwood provide striking winter interest.
As you embrace the beauty of November, we will continue to work on nurturing your garden through planting, pruning, and weeding. Each task contributes to a vibrant and well-maintained space, ensuring your garden flourishes even in the colder months. Have a wonderful November, we can’t wait to get to work in your gardens this Autumn, the Team at Mackintosh Martin Gardening.
