New Perennial Planting

As work in the kitchen garden begins to wind down attention can be turned to other parts of the garden.

In this mild, damp weather the soil is easy to work and it is a good time to remove deep rooted weeds that have crept in and to make changes or additions to perennial plantings.

Personally I leave most divisions to the spring when the plants are growing vigorously. I never divide or move grasses at this time of year as they can succumb to rot during the winter. I will however move flowering plants during this month and they generally have enough time to settle in prior to the frosts. I will remove the flower stems of any moved plants to direct their energies to the roots rather than into producing flowers or seed. Perennials that have been pot grown and are planted now can retain their flowers but will settle in better if you take away the flower stems. This is a perfect time to introduce young perennial plants which will build up their rootstock to produce a good display of flowers next year.

In the garden I am tackling a new area of ground which has been under black plastic. It is easy to remove any remaining roots and weeds but the soil is very dry. I incorporate some compost in the planting hole when replanting the moved plants and that should help the soil absorb some of the rain we are getting during the night. Once the soil is wet again I will cover the bare ground with a fine covering of grass cuttings. The grass cuttings will prevent weed seeds germinating, add nitrogen and humus to the soil when it rots down and, as long as it isn't applied to thickly, will not turn into a slimy mess. It must be applied after the soil has been well soaked or it will prevent the rain reaching the soil.