Autumn should be with us by now but when I have to go to work in the early mornings just lately it still feels like late summer because the temperatures are still quite high for this time of year, all be it that it's still pretty dark even at seven some mornings.  | | Autumn rain |
Rain has made a late return after the very hot summer and the plants in the garden are soaking up as much as they can, now, to get them through what might be a dry winter.  | | A scarifier |
Although the rain is very welcome the combination of warm wet days brings with it active fungal spores which will grow and infect many shrubs and trees so keep an eye out for diseases such as black spot on roses and brown rot on apples and pears. Either cut out infected wood or spray with a garden fungicide Don't forget also that moss just loves this weather so give lawns a dressing of feed with moss killer as this will prevent the spread across the lawn before winter sets in. PLANT OF THE WEEK:Catalpa Bignoides "Indian Bean Tree" makes a great impact in the garden with its big green leaves just after late spring and its sweet scented Orchid-like white flowers in the late summer.  | | Colin Evans |
Although this tree usually grows in gardens with lots of space it can still be planted in small gardens. Just prune back the main stems in the winter when the leaves have fallen and it will remain the size that suits your garden. In France these wonderful trees are pollarded which means they are pruned back right to the main stems which burst forth then look magnificent the following year. If you want something a bit different then Catalpa Bignoides "Aurea" is lime green and a little slower growing. TOPICAL TIPS: | | Colin recommends Terra Cotta pots |
- Give the lawn a light cut if it's dry enough and then scarify the thatch or dead grass out with a wire rake or better still, hire a motorised scarifier to make life easier. They are not expensive for a days hire and it is worth the effort. If you have time to spike the lawn as well, then this is a great time to do it as the ground is good and soft, just use a garden fork and press the tines down a few centimetres all over the lawn.
- If plants are in the wrong place then they can be moved and transplanted to other area's of the garden or placed into large pots. Simply give the plants to be moved a good watering the day before and move with plenty of root the following day. firm the transplants, feed and water and leave well alone until next spring when the plants can be given a good liquid feed to get them into fine heart for the growing season.
- Plants in containers may well have outgrown the space and need transferring to bigger pots and it's best to do this while the weather is mild. I favour Terra Cotta pots myself but there are so many types you should choose which you like as there are no golden rules other than the pots have to be big enough and if they are to be used outside then they must be freely draining. Terra Cotta, though look natural and keep the roots cool in summer and allow the plant to breath and make even growth. Again, give the plants to be repotted a good watering and feed the night before and then plant into their new pot in good quality compost. Firm in and water once more and the plants will make good growth next year.
Happy Gardening! | 
