The Gardener's Diary: Autumn

This year, autumn has arrived early. Berries are already ripening and the first flush of autumn colour appeared in August, following what was a long, scorching summer.

The heat took its toll on the lawns, leaving them parched and patchy. Now that the rain has returned, green shoots are pushing through once more. But with that recovery comes a build-up of dead leaf matter, or thatch, which needs to be carefully removed. On smaller lawns this can be done with a rake, while on larger areas we use a scarifying machine.

Once cleared of debris, the lawns are cut, hollow-tined to allow in air and moisture, and then top-dressed and overseeded with a fine mixture of fescues and browntop bents. This ensures a close, resilient sward that will see us through the winter. An autumn feed is also applied to encourage strong root growth, giving the lawns the best possible start for the year ahead.

Elsewhere, our borders are still flowering generously. We continue to deadhead perennials and clear fallen leaves to keep the display going a little longer. Tender perennials such as salvias are being propagated now, ensuring we have a healthy stock of plants ready for next summer.

In the pots, bedding will be replaced towards the end of September. Spring bulbs will take their place, promising cheerful colour in April and May when the gardens awaken again. Looking further ahead, we plan to increase our bulb planting this autumn and winter, especially in the colourist border behind the viaduct. This will strengthen and enhance the planting there, bringing even more vibrancy next season.

Although the summer brought challenges, autumn is always a season of renewal. With thoughtful preparation, the gardens will rest well over winter and reward us with fresh growth and colour in the spring. There is much to look forward to in the year ahead!

Chris Inchley, Head Gardener