Early autumn is a great time to enjoy the colour and beauty of late-flowering perennials, such as dahlias and asters, while also planning ahead for winter and spring. Borderline hardy plants benefit from protection in preparation for colder weather and tender potted plants like pelargoniums will need to be brought under cover if early frosts are forecast. Many spring-flowering bulbs can be planted over the next few weeks, and bare-root shrubs and trees ordered, ready to be planted in the garden from November onwards.
In the first of this selection of clips from BBC Gardeners’ World, Monty prepares his Himalayan poppies for winter by giving them a thick mulch. He divides summer-flowering perennials, starting with his hardy geraniums, and plants Iris reticulata in pots for colourful displays next spring.
Monty divides geraniums for more plants
Monty divides a hardy geranium to create new plants that he intends to grow on and plant out next spring.
Monty plants iris bulbs for spring flowers
Now’s the time to plant early spring bulbs, such as Iris reticulata, in pots. Monty plants up an alpine pan filled with gritty free-draining compost with one of his favourite bulbs – Iris ‘Harmony’.
Monty mulches Himalayan poppies for winter protection
Monty mulches his Himalayan poppies (Meconopsis ‘Lingholm’) with composted bracken, an acidic mulch, which will protect them over winter.
More seasonal advice:
- September seed sowing with Monty
- September fruit and veg with Monty
- September wildlife gardening with Monty
