In October, we bid farewell to warmer, longer days as the temperature drops and the clocks go back. Late-flowering perennials such as dahlias and asters are still in bloom, at least until the first frost, and it’s time to plan for a new growing season. Perennials can be added to borders now while the soil is still fairly warm and seeds sown to provide displays of flowers for next spring and summer. Spring bulb planting continues and tender plants like cannas should be lifted before the cold weather arrives and stored in frost-free conditions.
In the first of these three clips from BBC Gardeners’ World, Monty plants up a border in the writing garden with perennials and biennials. He also sows sweet peas and takes cuttings from his salvias, in case the winter is especially cold and they struggle to survive.
Taking salvia cuttings
Monty demonstrates how to take cuttings from Salvia ‘Amistad’ and Salvia fulgens, in case they don’t survive over winter.
Sowing sweet peas
October is an ideal time to start off sweet peas and Monty is busy sowing ‘Cupani’ and ‘Painted Lady’ in pots and root trainers.
Planting perennials and biennials
Monty plans the writing garden border for next summer. He begins the planting with perennials and biennials, including astrantia and foxgloves.
