September

1. September is an ideal time to plant new shrubs and trees, or move existing. These plants will get off to a flying start for next Spring, as they will have had all Winter to settle in. We have an expanded range of shrubs and trees, so it’s worth a visit!

2. Roses including climbing, rambling and standard should be pruned down to just above a 5 leaf shoot, once they've finished flowering. Prune late-Summer flowering shrubs, and any dead or diseased growth. Give evergreen hedges a final trim to make sure they are in good shape for Autumn.

3. Now is the time to use Winter tree wash to remove insect debris, dust and wax which insects use to secure their eggs. Suitable for use on all plants, but particularly evergreens, it removes contaminants from the leaf surface to increase light exposure and encourage photosynthesis. Also use Seal & Heal to seal any tree wounds, and protect pruned branches against ingress of diseases and harmful pests such as coral spot and silver leaf. Use Greasebands & Moth Pheromone Traps on trees as a pest barrier for fruit trees – these pesticide-free grease bands & traps are ideal for organic gardeners and effectively trap winter moths and other insects.

4. Refresh hanging baskets, pots and borders with colourful Autumn bedding.

5. Repair any brown-looking grass and patches on your lawn now, using Patch Repair, grass seeds, and lawn feed, all available in-store. Scarify off heavy moss or thatch.

6. Keep your garden looking tidy by gathering up leaves from lawns and pathways now. Use a garden vacuum or rake, and leaf collector to help make the job easier.

7. Rain is great for your flowers, but it encourages weeds too! Continue tackling weeds with weed killers (including some natural alternatives) or weeding tools such as Weed Slice or Weed Burners, designed to make the hard work of tackling weeds easier.

8. Now is the ideal time to be planting perennials, bulbs and seeds so that they flower in time for Spring next year (save tulip bulbs for Oct/Nov planting). We have a wide range now in store, so you can choose your favourite display of colours, and beautiful fragrances.

9. Cover your pond using a pond net to protect it from leaves falling. Debris can result in algae and sludge which, if left for long enough, will reduce oxygen levels and harm your fish. Pond vacuums also help to maintain a clear healthy pond this time of year.

10. Clear out your greenhouse and clean the glass to increase the amount of sunlight coming in. Also get to work on removing any pests and disinfect inside your greenhouse. Get bubble wrap ready for Winter insulation in your greenhouse.