September Gardens

lawn with water rill and pond reflecting clouds

During September you start to notice the nights beginning to draw in which always means less time to spend working, entertaining or just relaxing outdoors! That said though it’s still a good time to be doing jobs outside. It can also be a time for gales, so be prepared: ensure your plants, shrubs and trees are staked properly to avoid them getting damaged.

This is a great time to take cuttings from tender plants like fuchsias, harvest your fruit and veg, and go on, sprinkle a little TLC on your lawn!!

September is often considered ‘lawn care month’, a time when we reinvigorate them for next year by removing thatch, aerating and applying a top dressing. So, for those of you doing this for the first time here’s a quick guide how to do just that and have a fabulous lawn next year!

Removing Thatch

Thatch is basically moss and dead grass and by removing it, it increases air movement and drainage around your lawn which in turn helps to discourage the re-growth of moss. You can remove it either by using a rake or a powered scarifier. If you use a rake, beware it is hard work and pretty tough on your back. Be warned though, your lawn will look pretty awful after doing this but it won’t take long to recover!

Aerate

Your lawn needs to breathe and the more we walk on our lawns the more compacted it will become. All you need to do is push your garden fork into the ground about 6-7 inches deep and about 9 inches apart. This isn’t too bad a job (albeit a bit boring!) but if you have a big lawn you may want to consider hiring a machine to do this for you.

Top Dress

This job needs to be done as soon as you have aerated the lawn i.e. while the holes are still open. A tried and tested recipe is: three parts of sieved garden soil mixed with two parts of sharp sand and one part of garden compost.

Now sprinkle half - to a full inch of the mix onto the lawn and using a stiff brush or a broom spread it all over. This is to renew the upper soil layer. Again beware; your lawn will look really awful for a few weeks but the grass does grow though the soil again and will thank you for the TLC! Trust us!!

September Garden Jobs

As the nights start to draw in September usually sees gardeners working quick time to make the most of this super-busy month.

While there are still flowers to deadhead and plenty to harvest in the vegetable plot it is also a time of preparation. There are bulbs to plant to ensure a gorgeous display next spring. There are repairs to furniture and structures to do before the worst of the winter weather hits us. It's one of the busiest months in the gardeners' diary, and apart from looking after your lawn here are some other jobs to keep you going!

Start to consider your spring flowering bulbs (see our blog post for advice about plant designing with spring bulbs)
Continue to harvest your vegetables and fruit
Make any repairs to the greenhouse that are needed
Remove dead or dying summer bedding plants
Remember to be vigilant about garden hygiene
Put a net over ponds to stop leaves falling into it (before they start falling!)
Shelter any tender plants and if possible bring them inside or put in cold frames to overwinter them
For a splash of colour this winter buy new plants from garden centres, nurseries or just ask Blue Daisy - we can get them for you.
(Although it will be too late for some plants) to encourage more flowers, continue dead-heading to make it look tidier
Buy or make a compost bin if you don't have one already
Complete or repair any garden constructions like fencing or refelting your shed roof before winter sets in to take its toll
Empty and clean water butts with a garden disinfectant.

August Gardens

yellow rudbeckias typical august flowers

The top priority for your August garden is usually to just sit back, relax and enjoy your garden and who are we to say anything otherwise? Go on, get out there and enjoy it before the weather changes for good!

Traditionally, this is the holiday month so if you are managing to be away this year remember to arrange for a neighbour/friends/family to pop round to keep an eye on plants for you. You’ll need to ask them to pick the fruit and veg that has ripened on any edible plants or it will spoil what is left still growing.

Containers and hanging baskets will need watering so consider drip feed irrigation systems if family and friends can't step in for you while you're away.

Indoor plants do need to be watered this time of year so if you can’t leave your key with anyone sink the pots in the soil in a shady area where they won’t dry out so quickly.

August can also bring with it lots of thunderstorms and heavy downpours which is great for cleaning the leaves of trees, shrubs and hostas and bringing the lawn back to it’s lush green colour. Make sure that your water butts are at the ready and delicate plants are supported to prevent possible damage.

August Garden Jobs

There have been some major growth spurts going on in our gardens this year and one of the biggest problems for gardeners is to make sure things don't get too much out of hand. As ever deadheading is the order of the day for August along with watering. Don't forget to try to water late afternoon or evening if possible, avoiding the heat of the day (although roses do prefer a morning drink!). Some summer pruning is also on the cards to help keep things under control along with the usual August jobs:

Check plants at least twice a week to check for infestation of bugs like aphids and red spider mite
Weed borders so plants aren’t competing for nutrients in the soil or water
Deadhead flowers regularly to encourage more flowers and to extend their flowering season
Consider saving bath and dish water for the garden (non-edibles)
Concentrate on watering newly planted trees, shrubs, window boxes and containers
Feed plants that require it
Remove the growing tip from greenhouse tomatoes to encourage fruit growth
Start thinking about planting bulbs for Christmas displays (yes, I really did mention the C-word!!)
Protect dahlias from earwigs
Check if repairs to the greenhouse or shed are needed before autumn sets in
Water and feed house plants remembering to clean the foliage
Cut sweet peas as soon as they flower to encourage more and to prevent seed pods forming
Trim hedges at the end of the month it should hopefully be the last time they'll need it this year
Harvest fruit and veg as necessary
Make sure bird baths have fresh clean water every day
Water levels in ponds may have evaporated so top up to ensure the fish don’t die
Remember if you do have to garden while the sun is out protect yourself adequately with sun screen, a hat and drink plenty of water!

July Gardens

orange heleniums typical July flowers in the garden

There are always some things in the garden that you'd do differently, and your July garden is often a good time to spot those difficult patches. Make a note of the changes that you'd like to make and take photos to help your memory so that when you do come to make changes later in the season it'll be an easier job.

Pests are usually rampant this month with aphids, particularly greenfly and blackfly multiplying fast. It's time to get the ladybirds into your garden for a sumptuous feast and if you haven't built a ladybird home yet it's a great thing to do with children. All you need is some lengths of hollow bamboo bundled together with either string or bunched inside a plant pot or something like a catering size coffee tin. Putting them inside something ensures the canes don't become a wind tunnel and if you've tied them up without putting them inside something do make sure one end of the canes are blocked up with something. Another way of providing insect homes is to drill some holes into one end of a log. Ladybirds and other insects will thank you for providing them with safe harbour to either lay eggs or to hibernate.

Managing pests and diseases is especially important in your fruit garden to help keep fruits healthy and with the hoped for sunshine also comes a plethora of weeds. Keep them under control in order to give your flowers, fruit and vegetable plants room to grow without too much competition.

July Garden Jobs

With summer well underway here is the job list for July, which includes…

Summer prune your fruit cordons and espaliers
Keep weeds down around fruiting trees and other edibles to reduce the competition for nutrients
Thin out fruit crops.
Deadhead as often as possible to encourage more flowers
Keep an eye on water levels - especially containers, pots and hanging baskets
Harvest any fruit and vegetables that are available and if there is too much to eat either give it away or freeze it
Hoe the borders regularly to keep weeds at bay
Check plants regularly for pests and diseases
Make sure bird baths and watering stations have plenty of clean and fresh water
If you have a pond check it regularly and top it up as necessary
Trim hedges this month (if you're sure there are no nests or existing ones have been vacated, remember that some birds come back for a second brood). If you're unsure, wait a bit longer
Plan the autumn vegetable plot and sow seeds as appropriate
Pinch out side shoots on tomatoes and keep them evenly moist to avoid blossom end rot (fruit splitting)
If you have a greenhouse keep it well ventilated and shaded
Keep your potted acers well watered and out of direct sunlight in order to avoid leaf scorch
If you do get the chance to get into your garden and the sun is shining do wear a hat and sun lotion and don't forget to stay hydrated too.

June Gardens

blue geraniums typical June flowers in the garden

This is the time we usually get to relax and enjoy our gardens with the first vegetables ready to harvest, flowers in full bloom and long summer nights to appreciate our hard work! We have hurtled into June already enjoying lovely balmy evenings but this month the scent that June is reknowned for should really start taking over.

Make sure that plants in greenhouses, conservatories and windowsills get some good ventilation and shading protection too to make sure they’re not scorched.

It's still not too late to do the 'Chelsea chop' on parts of some of your late flowering perennials - doing this will help stagger and prolong their flowering period. Early flowering perennials like geraniums can also benefit from the Chelsea chop they'll reward you with a second flush of flowers later in the summer.

Try to keep up good garden hygiene by deadheading when you can. And slugs, snails, aphids, greenfly and blackfly, to name but a few, are really active at this time of year so keep your eyes open and deal with them at the first signs of activity which normally works in most cases.

Although it would be lovely to say you have nothing to do now, it’s not true; there are still lots of routine jobs that need doing to keep your garden looking vibrant.

June Garden Jobs

June is a prolific time in our gardens and while it's usually a great time to break out that well deserved drink to help us savour the warm, scented evenings there are also lots and lots of jobs to be getting on with this month.

Just in case you're not sure where to begin, here's a list to get you started:

Deadhead flowers to maintain displays and encourage more growth
Hoe borders to discourage weed growth and competing with plants for water
Tie climbers to trellises or canes to get the benefit from the display and to support during growth
Keep a look out for pests and diseases and start to treat at the first signs of activity
Water borders and lawns thoroughly every few days which is better than a little every day - the soil is drying out quickly and if you have clay it's already cracking in some places…
Check containers and hanging baskets daily to see if they need watering - rain doesn't always get into your containers so keep an eye on them just in case
Make sure that there is plenty of ventilation in greenhouses and conservatories
Lift and fully dry spring flowering bulbs and store away
Lift your mower's cutting blades - the dryer the weather the higher the cutting blades should be
Remove any suckers found on roses as soon as they appear
Plant bedding plants and/or annuals grown from seed or buy from garden centres to fill any gaps or for an additional splash of colour
Give lawns a good feed
Plant up some containers for that late summer spectacular
Time to think about planting seeds for winter and next spring displays
Harvest vegetables as and when they are ready to be lifted.

May Gardens

Hints of summer should be on its way this month with warmer and longer days. With the wet winter we've had everything seems to have exploded - not only the plants but also pests are out with a vengeance. Our May gardens are starting to inject more colour and vibrancy into our outdoor spaces with flowers coming into bloom thick and fast.

Tulips are already up and gracing us with their presence, remember though that there is still a chance of an occasional frost so be ready to cover tender plants. New shoots found on plants like hostas are tender too and will need protection from cold winds and late frosts – have newspapers or fleeces ready and hold them down with large stones over night if the forecast is for cold.

Lawns usually need to be mown twice a week in May and don't forget to cut on a high setting, especially if your grass is damp. Going too short too early will damage your lawn. Take care not to cut the grass where bulbs are flowering too if possible. As soon as the leaves begin to turn yellow and die back that is a sign for you to cut your grass over bulbs. Leaves are a very important source of energy for next year’s bulb displays!

Shelter your hanging baskets in a corner during the day inside or on top of a big pot and put them inside overnight until the threat of frost has gone. Spring flowering containers will usually be starting to fade towards the end of May but some might last into June this year. When they have gone over throw out those annuals and replace them with new plants you have sown yourself or bought elsewhere.

May Garden Jobs

Every month brings with it a list of jobs that need doing in the garden and May is no exception! This is a busy time of year generally. Your garden will benefit from TLC this month to give it the best chance of performing well for you during the summer months. Some May garden jobs for that list of yours…

Keep an eye on your watering. Sheltered plants might still need a little extra and if you've been keeping plants back in the greenhouse a little longer than usual they'll need a good regular supply too.
Protect tender plants or shoots from frosts and cold winds
Keep weeds under control
Cut grass as the daffodil or tulip leaves turn yellow and begin to die back
Lift tulip bulbs when they're over, store them in a dark and dry place until autumn
Prepare supports for climbers
Harden off hanging baskets
Place straw mulch under strawberries
Clear out spring bedding plants
Thin out annuals and vegetables already sown outdoors
Sow vegetables every few weeks to get a continuous crop later in the year
Protect crops from carrot fly
Allow plenty of ventilation in the greenhouse
Scarify lawns where dead moss is a problem
Check for pests and diseases both in the greenhouse and outside
Stake or support tall and/or floppy plants
Deadhead flowers as needed.

April Gardens

April usually brings with it an injection of colour in our gardens, the spring bulbs are usually out in force, other plant leaves are unfurling and trees are often awash with blossom at this time of year making it feel as though life is most definitely stirring! The birds are usually singing, insects are usually starting to show themselves and often the bees are out making the most of the early nectar from the spring flowers.

Keep your eyes open for any pests like slugs and snails and the dreaded vine weevil.

Chances are you've been reticent about getting tender plants or seedlings outside but if you have ventured out take care still as frosts can still damage them so have some horticultural fleece or even an old newspaper at the ready to cover them during those colder nights. If you don't have either and can bring them indoors remember to take them back out the next day.

Spring is a great time for scent in the garden and if you don't have anything now is the perfect time to go out and buy yourself something that will add another dimension to your garden at this time of the year. Some to consider are, for example, Viburnum, Philadelphus, Wisteria and Magnolias but be sure to double check before you buy because not every variety of these plants has a scent.

If you have a vegetable garden you'll be a busy bee making sure the ground is prepared and heated sufficiently enough to plant those tender seedlings that will hopefully produce an abundance of tasty treats for you later in the year! Remember though the trick is to sow seeds every few weeks or so to make sure you get an ongoing supply of produce that you can cope with rather than being inundated with things like courgettes…yes, we've all done it with courgettes!!

April Garden Jobs

Some of the jobs that can be done in your garden this month are:

Dividing perennials - any plants that you didn't get to last month, now's the time to replant them around your garden to increase your border stocks (or give to friends if you don't have any space in your own garden!)
Keep weeding the borders, annual weeds should be easy to pull out by hand but the perennials will need digging out
If you haven't cut back your ornamental grasses yet this is the last chance to do it or there may well be a chance of damaging the emerging shoots
Get sowing your annuals
Pot on any seedlings so they don't get too leggy
Start protecting your plants from vine weevils, slugs and snails by using biological controls
Begin your regular mowing, the first cut should be at the highest then lower each time you cut so by the end of the month it is at the usual setting or you may risk frost damage by cutting it too low too early
Take on those edges, a good neat edge to your lawn makes all the difference
Stake some of the taller perennials in the garden now before time gets away from you and they have become unruly
If you haven't sown any sweet peas and want some you'll need to get them sown pretty quickly or it'll be too late!
Foxgloves, Aqueligias and other plants that have self sewn themselves around the garden can be lifted and replanted exactly where you want them
Keep a check on any containers and water if needed as we may have a few hot and dry days this month
Plant up Dahlia tubers and keep them in a frost free place
If you're planning on planting vegetables don't forget to sow successionally to avoid the gluts!

March Gardens

This month we should start to notice the sun warming up, the grass starting to grow and of course the early spring bulbs will be gracing us with their presence brightening up our borders and generally making us smile! The weather though this month can be changeable so don’t be tempted to remove any protective fleeces on your planted out tender plants. And for any you've stored under cover over winter, we can still have some sharp frosts so you may need to keep them safe until the threat of frosts has passed.

With the sun’s warmth getting stronger though the germination of weeds will begin in earnest now so it is really important to hoe them out. Any perennial weeds will need to be dug out now before they really start to take hold. Applying mulch to the soil this time of year is good because it will keep all the moisture in and cut down on the amount of weeds germinating.

Roses will need some attention this month too, if you didn’t prune in the autumn now is the time to do it before new growth is well developed. Also willows and dogwoods will need some attention so they are looking their best for the autumn and winter displays we like so much.

This month pests and diseases in the garden really start to get going so it is vital to keep on top of them. If you are normally a chemical user then consider giving biological controls a try this year, slugs and snails can be greatly reduced by watering a particular nematode into the borders two or three times a year. In the greenhouse keep your eyes open for aphids, red spider mite and whiteflies as the temperatures begin to rise and biological controls can all work for them too.

March Garden Jobs

Prune heathers by removing dead flower heads being careful not to cut into old wood
Keep on top of and remove germinating weeds
Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials to encourage invigorated growth and increase your garden stock
Gently scarify your lawn if not done in the autumn
Mow lawns on a high setting for the first few cuts
Lay turf or seeds from the end of this month and into April
Prepare seed beds ready for planting up vegetables
Plant early varieties of potatoes
Sow seeds this month, check carefully as some will need to be started off inside and some can be planted straight out into the borders
Divide large clumps of herbs such as chives
Mulch beds and borders to keep weeding and watering to a minimum
Refresh and top dress containers with fresh compost
Begin to increase watering of houseplants, if the compost feels moist wait a little longer before watering.

February Gardens

February is usually a cold month and can often be colder than January, but it looks to be another year of changeable weather for us - very wet and unseasonably mild.

This month we really start to notice the days getting that little bit longer and there are often a few sunny days to look forward to too! The warmer days can tempt us outside but don’t be fooled there's still a likelihood of cold winds, heavy frosts and maybe even a sprinkling of snow so remember, early sowing of seeds and planting out may lead to disappointment!

On those days warm enough to get outside and enjoy you’ll be able to see signs of life beginning to stir in and around your garden! Snowdrops and crocuses are already up and flowering in many areas and even the daffodils have made an appearance making everywhere look so much brighter and cheerier! We're already seeing them peeping through in many of our client's gardens here in Kenilworth and Warwickshire.

This month is a really great time to prune trees, roses, shrubs and climbers that are due to be cut back in late winter. Buds are already appearing on many plants and it’s best to finish the winter pruning just before the spring time growth spurt really begins so sooner rather than later is the mantra for this year so far!

Take a walk around the garden on a warmer day and check that your recently planted trees and shrubs haven’t been lifted by the frost or strong winds (known as wind rock). If they have, gently firm them in – those that have been planted the previous year should have had plenty of time to grow out from their root balls.

Last month we mentioned planning what you wanted to do in your garden this year, whether it was making a new veggie bed, to moving or dividing plants through to re-designing part or the entire garden. So, if you are considering having a new veggie bed now is the time to plan for it and a few questions to ask yourself are:

What do you want to grow?
What is your budget?
What size do you want?
Where will it go?
What materials can you use?
How much time to you have to maintain what you grow?

Once you’ve answered those questions it’s time to get started. If there is turf in the area you want to use simply skim it off the surface and then fork over the soil and let the remaining frosts break it down and it will also give it time to settle! Have a look through the seed catalogues or go and visit a local garden centre for inspiration!

February Garden Jobs

There’s still lots to do in the winter garden!

Put cloches over the ground that you’ll be using for vegetables so the soil can really warm up and be ready for the seeds/seedlings. If you don’t have cloches use clear polythene and ensure it is weighted down at the edges.
Check garden structures e.g. pergolas, arches, fences and trellis and make any repairs as needed
Keep ponds free of ice
Keep bird feeders and water dispensers topped up
Plan a herb garden/area
Clean, sharpen and repair tools before the season really gets going
Continue to remove any debris and rubbish whenever you find it to reduce the risk of infestations of for example, greenfly, blackfly, vine weevils and slugs later in the year
Check any tubers you are storing for rot
Begin to sow annuals of both flowers and herbs but keep them in a greenhouse or on a warm windowsill
Any conifer branches bent out of shape with snow can be coaxed back into place, simply tie in any branches that are spoiling the shape of the tree but make sure it is soft twine or it could cut the branch and frost could get in and damage or kill it
Remove worm casts from the lawn by using a brush and keep it clear of leaves
Keep any protective fleeces on your plants a bit longer yet!

January Gardens

Whoever said January was a boring month for gardening? Just take a look out of your windows at all the colour, ok it’s not from flowers blooming but look at the evergreens, the bare branches and the different colour barks often covered in frost.

If you’re very lucky (or unlucky depending on your view!) snow will add more interest and if you don’t have a snowfall this month you should still be guaranteed a frost or two! We've had a very mild winter again so far so chances are you will catch sight of a few Spring bulbs popping up to take advantage of the days getting a fraction lighter.

This is a great time of year to begin planning ahead in the comfort of indoors, deciding how you want your private space to look. So get out those seed catalogues or gardening magazines/books and write a list of which seeds (or if seeds feel risky, plants) to buy for the year ahead. You may even decide to buy a greenhouse and erect it ready for sowing your seeds or buy a compost bin and water butt – you can’t start preparing too early!

There are still lots of jobs to be done even on those cold and wintery days - an ideal way to burn off the mince pies and Christmas pud!

January Garden Jobs

This year has (so far) begun unseasonably mild again which means we have the opportunity to get out into our gardens early paving the way for spring. It also means that some plants will be flowering a bit too early so keep your eyes on those tender plants especially as the chances of a cold snap will still exist for the next few months.
See below for a list of jobs that can be done this month.

If you plan on sowing seeds early this year – buy the seeds as soon as you can to avoid delivery delays
Check the weather forecasts to make sure you protect any tender plants from frost and wind
Regularly check any trees you have staked, the wind can often loosen them
If you have snow remember to knock it off your hedges and conifers – it can get really heavy and make them bend
Remove any weeds that show themselves this month
Wipe all the blades on your cutting tools and remember to give them a rub down once a year with wire wool to remove the rust
Don’t forget the birds – they rely on you for their food and ice-free water!
Buy some plant pot cleaner and make sure all your pots are clean and ready for this year’s use
If you plan on sowing seeds outdoors think about covering the soil with cloches (or similar) to get the soil warm and ready for seeds
Install waterbutts and compost bins
Check any bulbs or tubers that you are storing for signs of rotting
Keep borders clear of debris or falling leaves
Keep your eyes open for any last leaves that fall, sweep them up and keep for leaf mould
Plant bare root roses
Clean both the inside and outside of greenhouses and cold frames to get ready for seeds.

December Gardens

With Christmas fast approaching us the general pace of work in the garden is much more relaxed as there is a lot less urgency for jobs to be completed now. Many people think that there is nothing to do in December but you’d be surprised! It’s a great time for pruning woody ornamental plants, fruit trees and bushes because they are in their dormant period. Now that the leaves have almost finished dropping you can really see what you’re doing and can check to see if there is any dead or diseased wood to prune out. Don’t prune your Cornus (Dogwoods) though because their stem colour gives us some striking winter interest for our gardens.

Keep clearing any fallen leaves and save for leaf mould. Even though there are fewer garden pests and diseases around at this time of year keeping one step ahead of your garden hygiene – even in December – will reduce pest and disease problems in the spring and summer. If you find anything diseased you should really burn it rather than putting it in the compost heap. Remember too to leave a few areas undisturbed for overwintering beneficial insects like ladybirds.

Greenhouse and cold frame hygiene is also high on the list this month as the moist atmosphere is a perfect breeding ground for moulds and other diseases. Insulating your greenhouse or cold frame with bubble wrap will conserve heat for those overwintering plants you’ve brought in or if you’re getting ahead with any newly sewn seeds for next year.

You’ll find that whenever you’re out and about in the garden this month you’re likely to be followed around by a Robin looking for worms or insects that you may have disturbed. Winter is a difficult time for birds, so don’t forget to feed them regularly and give them clean water to bathe as they do become quite dependent on you to survive especially in the deep cold of winter (if it happens this year! It's been super mild again so far.)

For those of you that don’t want to go out into the garden you could start to think about what you want to do with the garden next year. Make a list of any plants you want to move or divide, any new plants you want to buy or seeds you want to order. Consider the different parts of your garden – are there any parts you would like to change? Would you like to add something to it, take something away, change the shape of it, incorporate vegetable beds, perhaps?

Whatever you have in mind, don’t forget that Blue Daisy can help you shape your garden with and for you, whether it is designing all or part of it and if you're not sure what you could do don't forget we also do advice sessions. These involve an hour of Nicki's time talking about your garden with you, it's amazing the amount of information you can get in an hour...

December Garden Jobs

Start to prune your climbing roses - this is something that can be continued until February time
Protect the base of tender climbers and shrubs - straw is a good option
It's a great month to plant bare root trees and shrubs
Keep borders free of fallen leaves
Keep your garden birds fed and watered
Protect your container plants and pots - move them to a sheltered spot and if it's due to be really cold wrap up any terracotta pots with bubble wrap or similar to help prevent them from cracking
Prune shrubs and hedges while they're dormant
Keep an eye on any overwintering bulbs and corms for any signs of rot