October in the Garden
As the leaves begin to change and the autumn air sets in, October is the perfect time for us to prepare your garden for the colder months ahead.
We’ll be working on the essential October gardening jobs, from leaf clearance to planting bulbs, cutting back perennials, and making sure your garden stays healthy and beautiful. Plus, don’t forget—now is the ideal time to order your spring bulbs, our catalogue has been sent out, please email us with your choices by 18th October for a beautiful spring display.
1. Clearing Fallen Leaves
One of the most visible signs of autumn is the blanket of fallen leaves that cover your garden. Leaf buildup can block sunlight, trap moisture, and create an ideal environment for diseases and pests to thrive.
2. Planting Spring-Flowering Bulbs
October is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, fritillaries and alliums. By planting bulbs now, they’ll have time to establish strong roots before the frost sets in, giving you beautiful bulbs to enjoy next spring.
3. Cut Back Perennials
October is the time for us to start cutting back many of your perennials, which helps prevent the spread of diseases and keeps your garden looking tidy through winter.
Why do we cut back perennials?
Promote health: Removing dead or dying foliage reduces the risk of pests and diseases overwintering in your garden.
Encourage growth: Trimming perennials helps them conserve energy and encourages stronger growth in the spring.
Tidiness: Cutting back dead growth can refresh the garden instantly
We will prepare your Garden for Winter
By completing these essential gardening tasks in October, we’ll ensure your garden stays healthy and well-prepared for the winter months. It will look tidy throughout autumn, but you’ll also set the stage for a vibrant and flourishing garden come spring.
Don’t forget to email us with your spring bulb orders and any other garden plants you may like! We can’t wait to work on making your garden as beautiful as possible this month.
Ru and I went to see the Piet Odulf field in Somerset and were very inspired by the block colour planting that is a signature style of his. He also celebrates the forms of plants as they stop flowering, so the season of interest is extended. I’ve added photos from the field below.
