GARDEN notes

Autumn tasks and amazing asters

- CHRIS MORLEY

MAGIC MULCH

Mulching does your garden a world of good. It locks in soil moisture, keeps weeds at bay and, as it breaks down, feeds the soil. A mulch blanket also makes borders look neat. Pile it 15cm deep around tender plants like dahlias to guard from frost. For trees, shrubs and perennials, a 5-7cm layer is plenty – just don’t let it touch the stems. Options include rotted horse manure, garden compost, leaf mould or composted bark.