Page 64 - SEPT_25

Autumn gardening GARDENING

tips with Dobbies Garden Centres

Garden centre shares top tips for autumn gardening success.

s summer draws to a close, many Instant colour
gardeners assume the best of the To brighten displays at this time of year, Nigel
A season is over. However Dobbies recommends autumn bedding plants for a burst
Garden Centres’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton of colour. He says: “Chrysanthemums, pansies,
says autumn is one of the most exciting times violas and mini cyclamen are all perfect for
to get outside, refresh your space, and set planting now to add autumn colour to containers
your garden up for the seasons ahead. and will brighten up and patio or doorsteps
displays. To avoid containers becoming
Here are Nigel’s top tips for making the most waterlogged during rainy spells, raise pots off
of your garden this autumn. the ground on pot feet to improve drainage.”

Two stages of autumn gardening Weed and mulch Plant for spring Greenhouse prep
Nigel recommends treating autumn in two Nigel notes that autumn is a good time to tidy Nigel notes that autumn is the perfect time to As the growing season ends, Nigel
phases, saying: “In early autumn, you should your beds and borders. He says: “Get on top of plant spring bulbs for a blooming display next recommends giving your greenhouse a reset.
keep beds and containers looking their best weeds now while soil is still warm and moist - year. He comments: “Dobbies has an impressive He says: “Autumn is the perfect time to clean
by deadheading, and refresh your displays removing these in autumn will save you a big range of tulips, daffodils and other spring out any spent crops and tidy up the space
with hardy favourites like pansies, violas and job come spring. Once you’ve done this, add a favourites in stores, with fantastic multibuy before winter sets in. Start by removing old
wallflowers. In late autumn, you can focus on layer of organic compost around plants to lock offers to help you save more. Evergreen shrubs plants, cleaning pots, disinfecting surfaces,
structure, protection and getting set for spring in moisture and keep weeds at bay. Mulching will and vibrant heathers can also be planted now, and checking for any signs of pests or
by pruning, weatherproofing, and moving also give your plants a nutrient boost ahead of adding structure and year-round interest to disease. It’s also a good time to move in
tender plants indoors.” the winter months while giving your beds a neat your borders and containers.” any tender plants that won’t cope with frost.
and tidy look.” Make sure your greenhouse heater is in
New for this autumn, Dobbies has partnered good working order, and while you’re at it,
with Alzheimer’s Research UK to launch The take stock of your gardening supplies. Check
Sensory Garden 15 Bulbs Collection, ideal for your bulb collection, organise seeds, and
spring colour. Nigel notes: “The new limited-
edition ARUK mix includes vibrant and fragrant recycle any broken or unused pots. Taking
favourites like allium purple rain, narcissus the time now will help your greenhouse stay
bridal crown, and tulip blushing apeldoorn. organised year round.”
Designed to engage the senses and bring
layers of colour, fragrance and texture, £5
from every pack goes directly to Alzheimer’s You’ll find more gardening tips, information on
Research UK, helping to fund life-changing Dobbies’ seasonal events, and everything you
dementia research.” need to make the most of autumn at dobbies.com.

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