Autumn, one of the busiest seasons in the gardening calendar, well deserves extended comments on what should be done in the garden. If you check the accompanying photo carefully it includes at least four tasks that need immediate attention.
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At the top right euonymus ‘aureo-marginatus’ is sporting a large all-green branch which needs pruning out. Green reversions become the strongest of the growth and if left will eventually take over and the variegation will be lost. A moderate winter shortening of vigorous leading shoots or cutting back to suit a restricted place is the only other pruning necessary.
The flowering abelia on the left of the euonymus has a number of wayward shoots at the top of the shrub. The whole plant needs to be trimmed back by perhaps a third to encourage a neater, more compact, bushy growth. Well managed, these plants with their attractive growth habit, foliage and flowers are a fine choice for foundation, hedge or specimen planting.
The soft foliage of the golden ash tree at the left hand side needs to be raked up as it falls and placed into bags for future use or gradually added to a compost heap in alternate layers with green weeds, kitchen scraps and lawn clippings.
In their natural habitat trees and shrubs gain their nutrients from leaf fall and other plant and animal debris which breaks down into humus incorporated into the soil by worms and other organisms. Poor quality soil in the home garden contains little organic matter required to hold moisture and nutrients, not only for drought resistance but plant health. Remember to replenish supplies on a regular basis.
The fourth task in the picture is the need for trimming back the ivy on the courtyard wall. Electric clippers make short work of the task giving an even cut which can be easily raked free of any dead foliage that has collected within.
The soon to be empty vegetable plot can be sown with green manure seeds – such as rye, field peas, and lucerne – see what’s available at produce stores or in packets on nursery shelves. Grow on through the winter, cutting down and turning into the soil before flowering, in order to add valuable organic matter.