End of Summer garden tidy up
End of Summer Garden Tidy-Up
As summer draws to a close, the garden begins its transition into Autumn. Borders that were bursting with colour a few weeks ago may be starting to look tired, flowering displays are fading, and growth is beginning to slow. Now is the ideal time for a considered garden tidy-up, focusing not just on appearance but on improving the health of your plants and soil for the seasons ahead.
Cut Back
One of the biggest jobs at this time of year is dealing with spent perennials and tired summer bedding. Deadheading late-flowering plants will encourage a final flush of blooms, while removing diseased or damaged foliage helps prevent problems lingering into next year.
However, resist the urge to cut everything to the ground. Many ornamental grasses, seed heads and structural perennials add interest throughout autumn and winter. Plants such as sedums, echinacea and rudbeckia can continue to provide texture and food for birds long after the flowers have faded.
Compost the Garden's Summer Growth
The end of summer often generates a surprising amount of garden waste. Faded annuals, lawn clippings, prunings and healthy plant material can all be added to the compost heap.
Good compost is created by balancing "green" materials such as fresh clippings and soft plant growth with "brown" materials including cardboard, shredded paper and dried stems. Turning the heap occasionally helps speed up decomposition and produces a rich soil conditioner that can be used throughout the garden.
Think of your compost heap as the engine room of the garden. Everything that has grown this year can be recycled into next year's success.
Mulch Borders
Perhaps the most valuable task you can do at this time of year is mulching. Applying a generous layer of organic matter around trees, shrubs and perennial borders offers a host of benefits.
A mulch of garden compost, leaf mould, well-rotted manure or composted bark helps to:
Retain moisture in the soil
Suppress weeds
Improve soil structure
Encourage beneficial soil organisms
Protect plant roots over winter
Add valuable nutrients as it breaks down
Spread mulch around plants to a depth of 5-7cm, keeping it clear of stems and crowns to prevent rot.
Divide and Rejuvenate Perennials
Late summer and early autumn are excellent times to divide overcrowded perennials. Plants such as hostas, day lilies, hardy geraniums and asters often benefit from being lifted and split every few years.
Division helps reinvigorate tired clumps, improves flowering and gives you free plants to fill gaps elsewhere in the garden.
Any newly divided plants will appreciate a mulch around their roots to help them establish before winter arrives.
Feed the Soil, Not Just the Plants
Healthy gardens begin with healthy soil. Instead of relying solely on fertilisers, focus on improving the soil itself.
As borders are cleared and weeds removed, incorporate organic matter wherever possible. Earthworms and beneficial microorganisms will gradually work it into the ground, improving drainage in heavy soils and moisture retention in lighter soils.
By feeding the soil, you're creating the conditions for stronger roots, healthier plants and more resilient growth next year.
Prepare for Spring Colour
While you're tidying borders, don't miss the opportunity to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Daffodils, crocuses, alliums and early tulips can be planted among existing perennials, creating layers of colour before summer plants emerge.
A little planning now ensures the garden wakes up with interest and colour after the winter months.
Give Shrubs and Roses Some Attention
Shrubs often put on substantial growth throughout the summer. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches and lightly shape plants where necessary.
Continue deadheading repeat-flowering roses to encourage additional blooms. A mulch around the base of rose bushes will help conserve moisture and improve soil fertility over the coming months.
