It’s definitely all change in the garden this month. Now the rain has stopped and we have crisper days, and falling leaves it’s a much prettier and dramatic sight. The trees over the road from my office window are the most gorgeous colours.
There’s plenty to keep us busy in the gardens, when we can get out there. There’s summer bedding to clear away, border perennials to cut down, veg plots to clear and leaves to collect and store for leaf mould which in turn into mulch for feeding the soil.
Often it’s the thought of getting out into the garden in the colder months that deter us from heading out into the garden, but as I found last week, once I was out there I was fine and found plenty to do. Gardening throughout the year brings many benefits, including keeping us active in the fresh air. Direct contact with soil has been shown to be valuable to our mental health and wellbeing. Research has demonstrated the value of ‘earthing’ or ‘grounding’ in alleviating health problems, relieving stress and improving our mood and restful sleep.
So according to the research, getting dirty in the garden could be just what we need! And confirm what I think we already know, that gardening is great therapy.
Plants of the moment
Autumn is a good time for planning and planting, establishing plants into warm soil before the real onset of winter. Large patio pots, tubs, troughs and baskets can also be planted with a selection of evergreen, flowering and berrying plants to provide colour and interest over the colder months ahead.
Many bare-rooted plants are only available from the autumn and they offer great value for hedging and planting projects.
Look out for:
Skimmia varieties
Cyclamen
Mahonia
Vibernum
Dogwoods and
Heathers.
