The Cannock Gardens’ gardener is on hand to give you tips and advice whatever the season. Visit us regularly for updates to help you maintain your garden throughout the year.

September

September is the best month of the entire year to repair your lawn. Seeding a new lawn can make it thicker and denser. Areas where grass is thin or lacking can be spiked with a fork to relieve compaction and patched with turf. As the autumn leaves fall rake the leaves off every few days. If it’s easier you can wait for the wind to gather them up for you, but remember wet heaps of leaves will damage the grass underneath. For your plants, we suggest you keep dead-heading patio pot plants and move potted plants like verbenas and geraniums close to a warm wall as they could keep flowering for several weeks yet.

October

If you haven’t already, start your compost – it is vital to replace the goodness in the soil. Fallen leaves can be left to rot down however diseased materials need to be cleared to prevent pests. Keep an eye on pots and containers during dry days and cut the lawn one last time. Clean up paths and weed thoroughly. Now is the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and crocus as well as fruit trees and bushes.

November

Be sure that tender plants are protected from frost – mulching will help create a layer of protection over the root system. Prune evergreens and keep leaves raked and use for compost. Winter heating dries the air in your home so help house plants survive by misting. Drain any hoses and put them away to avoid them bursting or freezing.