Autumn is a great time to operate in the borders. The soil is still warm so its great for planting and it matters less what gets trampled on. It is an ideal time to take stock of the borders, move plants around and divide up herbaceous perennials.
I have simply removed a number of senior (5 years plus) perennials which didn’t flower very well this season. These were generally Hemerocallis, and Crocosmia showed left. Herbaceous perennials frequently get crowded over time, especially in the centre of the plant. The very best thing is to dig them up, carefully seperate a part of the plant however with some it maybe required to cut up the plant. Replant a brand-new healthy piece with more area and it need to do better next year. I am trying to dig up anything which didn’t do well last year and divide or change. Some plants do well with time, some need dividing and others require changing.
Perennials appropriate for dividing: Agapanthus, Hemerocallis (Day Lily,) Salvia, Sedum, Verbena, Astilbe, Hosta, Crocosmia, Delphinium, and Aster. The tell tale indication that the plant requires to be divided is an overloaded centre and blooming less each year.
I seem to invest most of October weeding attempting to clear up the borders to put down a mulch for the winter. Mulching assists the plants over winter and come the spring will help to reduce the weeds. As plants die back more of the border is exposed which helps you find the weeds and clear them out.
Beyond that I am not a fantastic fan of too neat borders; the garden is home to a lot of creatures they need someplace to invest the winter season. In amongst the shrubs are log stacks and leaves, stones and protected corners.
Post Sponsored by your Local Emergency Glazier.