NOVEMBER GARDEN NOTES

By John Draper
Cold nights and short dark days show we are heading for winter now, but there are still things to be done in the garden to prepare for next year and to keep it attractive. Clearing fallen leaves, getting rid of weeds and cleaning the patio will prepare for a better spring in the garden. Your garden should still provide some colour and interest and the opportunity for some exercise.
Beds and Borders
It’s now the time to tidy up your borders, move any shrubs that are in the wrong position and split large clumps of perennials that you want to multiply, always a supply of free plants. Now is a great time for planting bare root roses and other trees and shrubs in the garden. You can improve clay soils by digging in generous amounts of garden compost or Soil Improver.
Grow your Own
Make sure you plant bare root fruit trees and bushes before the ground freezes solid. After the leaves of gooseberry plants have fallen, remove the low growing branches and reduce the leading shoots by one third. In the case of blackcurrants cut out completely two or three of the oldest branches at ground level and cut out any branches that are crossing or damaged.
Patio Tubs and Baskets
Plant up tubs and window boxes with winter pansies, variegated ivy and purple flowering heather will provide colour and interest throughout the winter.
The Lawn
Don’t neglect the lawn through autumn. The grass may still need a cut to keep it looking even, although it shouldn’t be cut too short. At this time of the year cut the average lawn down to only 3cm or fine-leaved lawns down to 2 to 2.5cm. The edges definitely need to be trimmed to give a crisp sharpness and any fallen leaves should be raked up to prevent bare patches.
It’s not too late to dress the lawn with an autumn treatment to help it through the winter and control the moss. Make sure you choose a day when the grass leaves are dry. It will soon get to work feeding the roots and encourage a thicker, greener finish that will last you until next spring.
This information is supplied by John Draper from Greener Gardens. Call 0115 846 5113 or more detailed information can be found at greenergardens.co.uk/gardendiary.php