The mild weather continued into November but plenty of rain and wind brought the garden to a colourful if damp end to autumn. Peter Brown and Chris Day prepare for the bare-root planting season, delve into some of the popular news stories making the headlines, plus a look at some of those pressing jobs in the garden and with our beloved houseplants.

What’s on

Monday 7th November: Wilding Rural Enfield is an online talk by Ian Russell, principal engineer at Enfield Council’s Watercourse Team. Open 6-7pm. More details here

Thursday 17th November: Gardens in My Life is the title of the 2022 annual lecture of the National Garden Scheme given by garden designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd.

In the news

Amersham in Bloom crowned overall winner of this year’s RHS Britain in Bloom UK finals.

Are gardener’s losing their parliamentary voice, asks Matthew Appleby? Featured in Amateur Gardening magazine, 23rd October issue.

Garden Organic fighting for the future, plus their excellent Heritage Seed Library.

Our Houseplant department at the Garden Centre has received a fantastic makeover. Look out for Beautanic Lifestyle range of hydroculture plants from Javado.

Garden visiting remained as popular as ever this year with increased visitor numbers including Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (top spot), RHS Wisley, in the third spot and Trentham Gardens in fifth spot.

Do not forget to look for the spectacular magical illumination shows over the next couple of months at Waddesdon Manor, RHS Glow Gardens and the beautiful lakes and gardens at Leonardslee in West Sussex.

A reminder about checking for hedgehogs prior to lighting a bonfire in the garden, plus The British Hedgehog Preservation Society are encouraging schools and colleges to take part in their ‘Pick litter to help hogs’ campaign.

British Garden Centre group increases numbers to 62 with the acquisition of Mirfield Garden Centre in West Yorkshire.

Plants mentioned

Bare-root planting season begins, including native hedges, roses, ornamental and fruit trees.

Dahlia, Leylandii, Spotted Laurel, English Yew and Hollies. Plants suitable to take as hardwood cuttings include Willow, Dogwood and Hazel. Continue spring bulbs planting - Tulips, Narcissi and Crocus if you plan to create lasagna bulb displays

Sow a few Broad beans (varieties such as ‘Aquadulce’ and ‘Super Aquadulce’), pot up bare-root strawberries for an early crop and sow Sweet Peas for earlier flowering next summer.

Product mentions

RootGrow (Mycorrhizal friendly fungi). Potting or horticultural grit for soil improvement. Use a net over your pond to clear any leaves and use a wheatgerm feed for your fish. Plants that create aerial roots such as Monstera may need support so install a moss pole, which must be kept moist.

Our thanks to Chiltern Music Therapy for providing the music.

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