A Busy Summer for Gardeners
We hope you have all enjoyed the summer this year. It certainly has been hot and many plants have suffered. We are grateful for all the volunteers that support the Gardening Club in watering the Village Hall garden, hanging baskets, tubs and the new planters around the pump. We do hope you all enjoy the displays which are mostly holding up despite the heat!
The Gardening Club has had a busy summer, with social events in both The Fox & Hounds and The Crown pubs, a very interesting Sustainable Floristry talk which demonstrated how to make beautiful environmentally friendly flower arrangements without the use of oasis, our annual BBQ and our annual Autumn Show. In contrast to last year, the dry weather continued for the BBQ and we thank everyone who came and made it a great success. Particular thanks to Chris and Roger who were our amazing chefs for the day.
At time of writing, we are awaiting the annual Autumn Produce Show on Saturday 30th August. We anticipate it will be a spectacle as always, with the village hall filled with prize produce, beautiful arrays of colourful blooms, fantastic homemade art and crafts and cookery. More about this next month!
As summer winds down and autumn begins to peek around the corner, September offers a unique blend of warm days and cool nights. This transition period is perfect for preparation for the upcoming autumn season.
Things to do in the garden in September
Harvest and Preserve – September is a bountiful month for harvesting. Many fruits and vegetables reach their peak with tomatoes, peppers, beans, and cucumbers often ready for picking. What you can’t eat straight away can be preserved by drying, freezing or pickling so you can enjoy the flavours of summer well into winter.
Divide and Transplant Perennials – Early autumn is ideal for dividing and transplanting perennials. Plants such as daylilies, hostas, and irises benefit from being divided every few years. This not only promotes healthier growth but also gives you more plants to expand your garden or share with friends. When transplanting, ensure that the new location meets the plant’s sunlight and soil requirements.
Prepare Your Lawn – September is an excellent month to care for your lawn. Aerate the soil to alleviate compaction and allow nutrients to penetrate deeper. Reseed any bare patches and consider applying a fertilizer to encourage strong root growth before winter. Regular mowing and watering will also keep your lawn in top shape.
Clean Up and Compost – As plants begin to die back, it’s important to clean up the garden. Remove spent annuals and vegetables, and trim back perennials that have finished blooming. Add the plant material to your compost pile, but be sure to discard any diseased plants to prevent the spread of pathogens. Turning your compost regularly will help it break down faster and be ready for use in the spring.
Mulch and Protect – Mulching is a crucial task in September. Apply a layer of mulch around your perennials and shrubs to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. This protective layer also suppresses weeds and adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down. For added protection, consider using burlap or garden fabric to shield delicate plants from early frost.
Plan for Spring Bulbs – Think ahead to spring by planting bulbs in September. Daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths planted now will reward you with vibrant colours after the winter thaw. Don’t forget that Gardening Club members have access to discounted bulbs & plants!
Come and join Hunsdon Gardening Club!
Hunsdon Gardening Club is always keen to welcome new members. It’s open to everyone; whether you have experienced green fingers or are a budding new gardener looking to share experiences with like-minded people in the village.
Membership is only £5 per year and gives you access to discounted bulbs and plants, preferential rates for events and free plant advice. If you would like to join, or would like any further information on Hunsdon Gardening Club and any of its events, please email or contact the Gardening Club Committee Chair, Marc Phillipps.
And take a look at our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/hunsdon.gardening.club.
Image by Anita Menger from Pixabay
