THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO winter

Begin the countdown to the end of the year by enjoying every last month of what your garden has to offer

September

This month heralds the end of summer, which is marked by some glorious late-season colour

It’s time to…

ORDER BULBS Get bulb orders in early, so you’re guaranteed to get the ones you want. You can plant narcissi, crocuses, snowdrops and alliums from now, but keep tulip and hyacinth bulbs in a cool, dry place until October or November, when lower soil temperatures mean they aren’t as prone to disease.

BULBS IN POTS

Grow some small, early bulbs like snowdrops and crocuses in pots, so you can enjoy them from your window in January and February. Pop wire netting on top to deter mice.

MAKE A CHANGE

Review your borders – is there anything you’re not fond of? Dig it out and replace with something you’ll enjoy in autumn or winter. The ground is still warm, so it’s a great time to plant shrubs or perennials, as roots can establish before winter.

TAKE OUT BEDDING

When summer bedding is past its best, dig it out and compost it. Fork over the soil and remove any weeds. Then add some winter bedding. Add wallflowers, primula or forget-me-nots, which will bloom in spring.

PLEASE THE POLLINATORS

Don’t forget pollinators at this time of year. If you have gaps in the border, add nectar-rich plants like asters, sedums and echinaceas, which will continue to flower for a few months, and will re-appear next year.

LAWN CARE