Hi, it’s Jenny here from the Wild Bunch.
As summer gives way to autumn, we start to see shorter days and cooler temperatures, we feel a change of rhythm. As we adjust to a new season Nature too is adjusting and shifting. As gardeners there is always lots to do in our wild and tamed spaces, I find it hard to keep up with all the things I need to do this season and especially after such a hot, dry and challenging summer for nature that we have just experienced.
Currently I am mulching on top of bare soil and in containers, adding a layer to help suppress unwanted plants and to aid water retention. Mulching also improves the quality of the soil. I am using spent compost, manure and leaf mould to mulch, wood chippings can also be used. It’s not recommended to leave bare soil over winter, these areas can also be mulched, or a green manure can be planted. If possible, avoid digging the soil as this disturbs the structure and soil organisms which are beneficial to healthy soil.
Spring bulbs can be planted now in pots or flower beds, daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths are all best planted before the soil gets too cold. Tulips can be planted a bit later.
Leaves will be starting to fall, and these are nature’s natural fertiliser and are homes to lots of important insects. If possible, try not to disturb too many hiding places and leave areas for leaves to naturally fall and decompose. Or create areas that are wilder and where leaves can be left. If you are short of space leaves can be gathered to make leaf mould for another year. Either in wire cages all piled up or in tubs that can be covered but with holes so air can circulate. I would not recommend using leaf blowers, these can be really damaging to all the critters that are harbouring in the leaves.
Autumn is also a good time to make changes to your garden, maybe thinking about coping with future dry summers and what you can do to work with future dry and hot conditions. Getting more water butts to conserve water, grow plants that are drought tolerant, creating more shade. Look after the soil health.
Enjoy your time outside working with nature and its rhythms!
The Wild Bunch are offering a session on 15 October 1.30-3pm in Frome Town Hall, to look at ‘Preparing for Winter’, things we can do to support overwintering and preparing our gardens for the cold and wet as well as supporting hibernating wildlife. We will also look at the benefits of mulching and saving water to minimise the effects of climate change. Please let us know you are joining us at our October gathering here.
With Frome Town Council we are also screening ‘Heal the Land’, a film all about Heal’s rewilding project that has transformed a former farm into a place for wildlife. This takes place on 20 October at Frome Town Hall 6.30-8 pm. This will also be the launch of Frome’s Nature Recovery Plan. Book your space for the Heal the Land film screening and Nature Recovery launch here.
