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❶ 52 GardenersWorld.com Give your patio or doorstep an instant autumn upgrade with this fiery pot display October 2023 ❷ ❸ ❹ ❺ ❻ Creative AUTUMN
Enjoy this vibrant time of year to the full by creating colourful container displays of autumn flowers and foliage, says Nick Bailey PHOTOS NEIL HEPWORTH As autumn arrives, a wonderful way to give an instant boost to your garden, courtyard or balcony is with flamboyantly planted containers. Their concentrated burst of colour makes a great focal point on a patio, by a front door or in a fading border. Positioned singly, in pairs or in clusters, they’re the ultimate transportable garden. Easy to create and not too costly, they can be completed in under 30 minutes. And what's more, the hardy plants that you use can later be integrated into your borders. Annuals can be composted. So, what are you waiting for? Get creative and follow my easy container recipes for some sure-fire injections of autumn drama into your garden. Planted now, they’ll retain their vibrant hues for months on end, keeping your garden truly colourful until winter starts to bite. For an explosive celebration of the season, try this dynamic mix of autumn shades. The rudbeckia gives structure and bold colour, while the carex beside it adds height and movement. Complementing them both is the domed form of the lime heuchera. This blends with the colour palette and sets off the Chinese lanterns (physalis), which add a nod to Halloween. At the front, the violas bring colour contrast and unify the scheme, while the thunbergia softens everything as it cascades over the side of the pot. We used Rudbeckia hirta Cherokee Sunset x 1 Carex buchananii x 1 Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ x 1 Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii x 1 Violas x 6 Thunbergia alata ‘African Sunset’ x 1 ◀ Autumnal flames GardenersWorld.com 53 autumn containers Plant containers for impact October 2023
How to plant up your container displays Choose a large container with drainage holes in the base. Fill it with peat-free multi-purpose compost to about 10cm below the rim. 4Fill any gaps between the plants with more compost if necessary, firm in gently, then water well to settle the compost around the roots. Position your largest and fullest plants first, starting at the back of the display. Arrange each one so its best side faces towards you. Slot in the smaller plants next, with any trailing stems positioned to cascade over the sides. Check the display looks well balanced and full. 54 GardenersWorld.com October 2023 Singing the blues Autumn gardens are often predominantly orange and yellow, so to create vivid contrast I like to introduce blue. Orange and blue sit opposite on the colour wheel, meaning that if you pair them, each looks more rich, vibrant and exciting. This pot display is packed with lighter and darker tones of blue, which always go well together. For a contrast in form, the chamaecyparis at the back provides a conical shape, while the caryopteris is more rounded. These two in turn contrast with the more horizontal trailing nepeta and the sparkle of the blue and yellow violas. We used Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Boulevard’ x 1 Caryopteris x clandonensis Grand Bleu x 1 Nepeta (catmint) x 2 Violas – blue and yellow x 6 ❶ ❷ ❸ ❹
October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 55 autumn containers Pretty in pink Autumn is dominated by fiery tones, so this pink and burgundy display provides a real contrast. The mix of slightly muted tones is well balanced, each plant having an equal focus. Form is important too. The willowy hibiscus gives height and structure and ties in with the billowing grass-like uncinia. Providing a soft overflow at the front of the pot are the sedum (hylotelephium) and heuchera, echoing the colour scheme. Muted pink pansies unify the display, tying everything together. We used Hibiscus acetosella ‘Mahogany Splendor’ x 1 Uncinia rubra x 1 Hylotelephium cauticola ‘Coca-Cola’ x 1 Heuchera ‘Wild Rose’ x 1 Pansy ‘Panola Pink Shades’ x 6 ❶ ❷ ❸ ❹ ❺
autumn containers LOCATION: AWESIDE FARM, ARLINGTON, EAST SUSSEX Deadhead regularly to ensure the plants continue blooming for as long as possible and the display always looks its best. Water as required, allowing the top few centimetres of compost to dry out before you give it a good soaking. Remember: even in autumn, rain won’t provide enough moisture for pots! If you’ve used a standard peat-free multi-purpose compost, apply a liquid feed at roughly six-week intervals during the growing season to keep the plants healthy. Do a basic tidy-up once a week, removing any faded or damaged leaves. How to look after your containers Gingerbread latte This container celebrates the more subtle, joyous tones of autumn by pairing muted orange, ginger, cream and green. The echinacea is clearly the star here, but it would be nothing without the supporting actors. The euphorbia provides good structure and texture, which contrasts well with the larger leaves and creamy blooms of the cimicifuga, which also provides height. However, the real unifying element here is the anemanthele, which adds gentle movement, a mix of rusty tones and flows over the edges, giving a slightly wild look. And the bonus is that all of these plants are perennial, so you can move them into the garden once you dismantle the container. We used Echinacea ‘White Swan’ x 1 Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ x 1 Cimicifuga racemosa x 1 Anemanthele lessoniana x 2 56 GardenersWorld.com October 2023 ❶ ❷ ❸ ❹
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As the dark days of winter approach, it’s exciting to look forward to colourful spring bulbs and browse catalogues and websites for ideas of what to grow. Tulips are among the biggest and brightest of spring flowers and now is the time to plant them. They look great in borders and containers, filling our gardens with colour, but they can have a downside – many can fail to produce the same quality of display the following year. This is because most highly bred tulip varieties need specific conditions to re-flower. They must be dug up and then stored in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to ensure a repeat performance as good as the first. But most of us can’t do that, and it can be expensive and wasteful to throw bulbs away after flowering and buy new ones each autumn. Luckily, there are some tulips that need less cosseting and will flower reliably every year even when left in the ground. They will happily naturalise in a border or grass, as long as they have plenty of sunshine and good drainage. Most of these more persistent tulips are species, or hybrids that retain the characteristics of the wild forms. On the following pages I will show you my 10 favourite tulips for vibrant spring displays year after year. Top 10 PHOTO: GETTY/JACKY PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY 58 GardenersWorld.com October 2023 If you want your tulips to flower not just once, but reliably every spring, then read on. RichardWilford, Head of Garden Design at Kew Gardens, reveals his favourite choices for year-on-year colour Creative AUTUMN
Tulipa saxatilis ‘Lilac Wonder’ will form a thriving, long-lasting colony in a sunny spot year-on-year tulips October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 59
PHOTOS: ALAMY/FLOWERPHOTO, SERGEY KALYAKIN; SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/JACKY PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY, MARTIN WAHLBORG 60 GardenersWorld.com Tulipa saxatilis ‘Lilac Wonder’ This Mediterranean tulip has a pink flower with a yellow centre that is edged with white (pictured on previous page). It likes a warm, sunny position with good drainage, and flowers best when packed into a tight spot. This makes it perfect for containers, raised beds and rock gardens. The glossy green leaves can appear as early as November, but seem unaffected by winter weather. Height x Spread 25cm x 15cm Flowers April to May T. humilis ‘Persian Pearl’ This delightful species has narrow leaves and a wide, starry flower on a short stem. The colour varies, but ‘Persian Pearl’ has deep magenta-purple flowers with a bright yellow centre. The back of the outer petals is brushed with silvery grey. It likes soil that retains a little moisture all year, but can get overcrowded by other plants, so give it a sunny, open position where you can enjoy the jewel-like blooms. H x S 10cm x 7cm F April to May T. praestans ‘Fusilier’ This species is one of the most reliable returners, and this variety is a clear, uniform orange-red. Each bulb produces up to seven blooms, opening above wide leaves. Over the years the flowers will keep coming but they often reduce in size and number, so use this tulip in informal plantings. Scattered through a sunny border, the flashes of scarlet appear at the same time as forget-me-nots and bleeding hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis). H x S 30cm x 20cm F March to April T. sylvestris This species is known as the wild tulip because it has naturalised in several parts of the UK. In some years it may only produce leaves, but after a hot, dry summer there will be plenty of flowers the following spring, making a glorious display of bright yellow. Clumps will slowly increase in size, so this is a great tulip for spreading through sunny borders and lawns. H x S 30cm x 15cm F April to May T. ‘Peppermintstick’ An elegant tulip, closely related to the beautiful lady tulip, Tulipa clusiana, but this is a hybrid, so is more vigorous and slightly taller. It has narrow leaves, a slender stem and a slim white flower whose outer petals are backed with maroon-red. It’s a great These 10 superb tulips will not only give you spectacular colour this coming spring, but they’ll also perform year after year, saving you both time and money choice for a sunny border or a pot. There are several named variations of T. clusiana, some with yellow flowers, and all can be left to grow outside. H x S 30cm x 10cm F Mid- to late April T. fosteriana ‘Purissima’ The different colour forms of T. fosteriana are classified in the Fosteriana Group of tulips. All have large flowers and wide leaves and, being closely related to the wild species, they often re-flower year after year when planted in a sunny part of the garden, as long as the soil drains well. ‘Purissima’ (also sold by the name ‘White Emperor’) is one of the best white tulips, with huge blooms. Plant the bulbs where the flowers will combine with the young foliage of other sun-loving perennials such as peonies and hardy geraniums. H x S 45cm x 30cm F Early to mid-April T. orphanidea Whittallii Group One of the best species for growing in the garden. Not only does it reliably flower every year, but it also has a distinctive colour and rounded bowl-shaped blooms. The colour isn’t bright; it’s best described as a subtle, dusky orange. And when the October 2023 T. praestans ‘Fusilier’ Tulipa humilis ‘Persian Pearl’
year-on-year tulips October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 61 T. sylvestris T. orphanidea Whittallii Group T. ‘Peppermintstick’ T. fosteriana ‘Purissima’
Lines open 9am - 6pm 7 days a week, Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. www.thompson-morgan.com/TM_TS4755 When ordering online please use order code TM_TS4755 to access our special offers. Tel: 0844 573 7414 Phone Lines open 9am – 6pm 7 days a week. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Please send to: Thompson & Morgan, Dept TTM_TS4755, Poplar Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 3BU. YOUR SATISFACTION GUARANTEED or your money back We want you to be 100% satisfied with any product you buy from us. If you’re not 100% happy then neither are we, so let us know and we’ll replace your product or give you your money back. † 100% HAPPY I enclose a cheque/postal order made payable to ‘Thompson & Morgan’ for £ Name Address Postcode Telephone Email By providing us with your email address, you'll be able to: ✓ Access your order information online ✓ Receive delivery date updates ✓ Receive despatch notifications ✓ View order tracking 24/7 Please debit my: Visa Mastercard Maestro CSV Please turn your card over and write the last 3 numbers from the signature strip. Cardholder’s name Expiry Date / ORDER CODE TM_TS4755 Code Item Description Price Qty Total G3715 3500W 3-in-1 Leaf Blower Vac & Shredder £69.99 £49.99 G4080 1800W 3-in-1 Push Blower Vac £199.99 £149.99 G2071 Spare Collection Bag £9.99 P&P Grand Toral £6.99 3-in-1 Blower, Vacuum & Shredder 3500W 3-in-1 Leaf Blower Vac & Shredder £69.99 NOW ONLY £49.99 Versatile;Can be used for blowing,vacuuming andmulching Largecapacity;The 45-litre bagmeans nomess to sweep up 10:1mulching ratio;Themulching function can create up to 450-litres ofmulch and theleaves arereadyforcomposting straightfromthe bag Mains powered; Nomore petrol fumes,creating a greenermore pleasant gardening experience, extra-long 10-metrecable Remove, collect and shred unwanted leaf and garden debris with this powerful 3500W 3-in-1 blower, vacuum and shredderfrom GardenGear. Take the effort out of removing fallen leaves and cut grassfrom gardens and pathways using thistool, with three functions including blowing, vacuuming and mulching. The powerful 3500W motor will allow you to clear debris and it even has a 45-litre collection bag, meaning no messto sweep up. The mulching function can create up to 450-litres of mulch and the leaves are ready for composting straight from the bag. SPECIAL BONUS OFFER Push Vac £199.99 £149.99 Hurry Offer Ends October 25th Specification: Dimensions: L120 xW14 x H34cm •Weight: 3.7kg • Power cord length: 10m • No load speed: 8,000-15,000/min • Max. airspeed: 270km/h • Max, air volume: 13.2m3/min • Collection bag capacity: 45L • Mulching rate: 10:1 • Voltage: 220-240V 50Hz • Power: 3500W DESPATCHING NOW Remove,collect and shred unwanted leaf and garden debris Offer subject toavailability.Wereservetheright tosubstitutevarieties ifnecessary*Pleasenotethat savingsarebasedontheequivalentof multiplesof thecheapestpacksize.©2023Thompson & Morgan.†For fullT & C’s,pleasevisit www.thompson-morgan.com.Regretfully weareunabletoshipliveplants tothefollowingpostcodeareas: HS, IV41-IV56,KW15-KW17,PA34,PA41-48,PA60-PA78,PA80,PH40-PH44,TR21-TR24,ZE1-ZE3.Wearealsounable toshipseedsorplants toEU countriesand NorthernIreland.Byplacinganorder withus,youbecomeaT&M customer, so we wouldliketocontinuesendingour cataloguetoyou,givingyoufirst sightofournew varieties.Pleasetickthebox ifyoudonot want toreceivethem [ ]. AsaT&M customer we wouldliketosendyounew varietypreviews,newsletters & exclusivespecialoffers & discountsviaemail.Pleasetickthebox ifyoudonot want toreceivethem [ ]. We wouldliketosendyougardening-relatedoffersbySMS.Tickhereif youdonot want toreceivethem [ ] . If youdonot wantus toshareyourdata withother carefully selectedcompanies inthecollectables, food & wine,gardening,gadgets & entertainment,health & beauty,householdgoods, travel, financial services, charitiesandhomeinteriors categories who will contact youbypost,pleasetick thisbox [ ].By sharingyouremailaddressand mobile withus,youcantracktheprogressofyourorderonlineandreceiveprogressupdatesonyourorders.Pleasenotethat we mayprintyour telephonenumberonthedespatchlabel which willensurethecarrier cancontactyouif theyneedto.We willnotpassonemailorphonenumbers toanyother3rdparties.Thompson & Morgantakeyourprivacyveryseriously.Youcanchangeyour communicationspreferences withusatanytimebycallingour customer service team on03334000033oremailingusat [email protected] westoreandusethedatayougiveuspleasevisit www.thompson-morgan.com/privacy
GardenersWorld.com 63 year-on-year tulips When planting tulips for a long-lasting display, choose a location where the soil drains well. Avoid damp corners with little air movement. They like an open site and full sun. The only exception is the lateflowering Tulipa sprengeri, which prefers growing in partial shade. Plant a selection of species to extend the flowering time, from late March to the end of May. Then, unless you garden on heavy clay, leave the bulbs in the ground after flowering, and they should reflower the following spring. Tulips grow a whole bulb every year, so never cut back the leaves until they have completely died down, as they are needed to build up the new bulb. If your garden has damp or heavy soil, try making a raised bed to improve drainage or dig up the bulbs once they are dormant and store them somewhere cool and dry, in a shed or garage, protected from mice by hanging them up in a net or paper bag. How to encourage tulips to flower every spring low sun shines through the flowers, they glow. It’s a good choice for growing in containers, but even better in the open ground, in a sunny raised bed or gravel garden, where it will slowly spread. H x S 30cm x 10cm F April T. tarda This compact species flowers towards the end of the main tulip season. The pointed green leaves form a rosette at ground level and short stems hold several white, star-like flowers with a broad yellow centre. In some forms, only the tips of the petals are white. Its low-growing habit means it needs an open position, away from taller plants, in a raised bed or gravel garden. Alternatively, grow it in a container. H x S 15cm x 15cm F Late April to early May T. linifolia ‘Bronze Charm’ The yellow forms of this species have been called T. batalinii and you may still find them under his name. They include this beautiful orange-yellow tulip, with its flower held on a short stem just above a cluster of narrow, blue-green leaves. Appearing a little later than most other tulip species, it will flower reliably in a sunny position with good drainage, such as a gravel garden, and will also do well in a container. H x S 15cm x 10cm F Late April to early May T. sprengeri One of the last to flower, sometimes as late as June, this striking tulip species has a wonderful scarlet, funnel-shaped bloom, with a beige back to the petals. Grow it in dappled shade and soil that holds some moisture in summer, under deciduous shrubs or in grass. It dislikes disturbance, so purchased bulbs may not live long, but allow them to self-seed around and you will have a thriving colony in a few years, or sow the seeds directly yourself. H x S 40cm x 15cm F Mid-May to early June PHOTOS: ALAMY/CHRISTOPHER BURROWS, DEBORAH VERNON; SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/EKATERINA KRASNIKOVA October 2023 Tulips thrive in free-draining raised beds T. tarda T. linifolia ‘Bronze Charm’ T. sprengeri
64 GardenersWorld.com PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; JASON INGRAM If you don’t have a suitable place to grow tulips in your garden, or you want to create a colourful display on a sunny patio, plant the bulbs in containers. Choose a large pot and add free-draining peat-free compost to about half-way. Set out the bulbs, pointed end-up, then fill to just below the rim with more compost and water well. You can plant the bulbs densely, as long as they’re not touching, and you can mix varieties to lengthen the flowering display, or add other spring bulbs. Unless the compost completely dries out, you won’t need to water again until the leaves first appear. Then water regularly if the weather is dry. Applying a liquid feed, such as diluted tomato fertiliser, will help build up the bulbs for the next year, or add low-nitrogen slow-release fertiliser to the compost. Once the leaves die down, tip the bulbs out and replant in fresh compost. 2Cover with compost so the bulbs are at a depth of at least three times their height. 1Half-fill the pot with compost, then space the bulbs evenly with the tips upwards. One of the joys of tulips that repeat-flower is having them naturalise in your garden, spreading slowly by underground stems or seeds. They’ll create an intoxicating show to look forward to every year, alongside spring perennials and annuals. Being dormant in summer, tulips are drought tolerant and ideal for naturalising in a gravel garden. Some will thrive in a lawn or wildflower meadow, but not all are strong or persistent enough to keep flowering when competing with grass. Always plant tulips deep, at least three times the height of the bulb. Those that are likely to do well in grass are taller species, such as Tulipa sylvestris and T. fosteriana. You could also try T. sprengeri on a partially shaded grassy bank, where it can seed around. It is vital that the foliage is left to die back completely before cutting the grass, which may be as late as August. Then remove all the clippings, to avoid returning nutrients to the soil, which can boost the grass growth. Planting tulips in containers How to naturalise tulips year-on-year tulips October 2023 VISITGardenersWorld.com/ grow-tulips for more advice on planting and growing tulips Taller-growing Tulipa sylvestis is a good choice for planting in a lawn
offer SAVE 15% ON TULIP BULBS ◼ Tulipa ‘Peppermintstick’ Two-tone petals. Blooms reliably year on year. Height x Spread 30cm x 10cm Flowers Apr 20 bulbs £8.90 £7.57 ◼ T. tarda Star-shaped flowers with golden, white-tipped petals. H x S 15cm x 15cm F Apr-May 15 bulbs £3.90 £3.32 ◼ T. orphanidea Lizzy Pointed bright-red petals with black basal blotch. H x S 15cm x 10cm F Apr-May 10 bulbs £5.90 £5.02 ◼ T. saxatilis ‘Lilac Wonder’ Pale lilac petals with yellow central markings. H x S 25cm x 15cm F Apr-May 20 bulbs £4.80 £4.08 ◼ T. praestans ‘Fusilier’ Radiant red and perfect for pots. H x S 30cm x 20cm F Mar-Apr 10 bulbs £4.90 £4.17 ◼ T. ‘White Emperor’ White with a pale golden base. Also known as ‘Purissima’. H x S 45cm x 30cm F Apr 10 bulbs £5.50 £4.68 ◼ T. sylvestris Lemon-scented yellow blooms. Great for naturalising. H x S 30cm x 15cm F Apr-May 15 bulbs £6 £5.10 ◼ T. humilis ‘Persian Pearl’ Intense pink with a splash of golden yellow. Exceptionally good naturaliser. H x S 10cm x 7cm F Apr-May 10 bulbs £4.90 £4.17 ◼ T. clusiana ‘Annika’ Three or more blooms per bulb. Flowers darken to fuchsia-pink. H x S 15cm x 10cm F Mar-Apr 10 bulbs £6.90 £5.87 Packed by hand in paper bags Terms & conditions Offer ends 31 October 2023. Despatch October-November. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount code. Payment taken at time of ordering. T. praestans ‘Fusilier’ T. sylvestris Tulipa ‘Peppermintstick’ T. tarda T. orphanidea Lizzy T. saxatilis ‘Lilac Wonder’ T. ‘White Emperor’ Inspired by the tulips feature on p58? Then get set to create your own breathtaking spring displays by ordering premium bulbs now, to plant this autumn. You’ll get an exclusive 15% discount on all Farmer Gracy’s tulip varieties, including these favourites: October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 65 farmergracy.co.uk/tulips Use code GWOCT23 Please add £4.99 P&P View the full range at T. humilis ‘Persian Pearl’ T. clusiana ‘Annika’
“Since our last visit to Duloe Manor we have chalked up over 80 HPB holidays and now here we are, 20 yearslater,spending a different kind of family time, in lovely gardens, with a new addition to the clan.” Les and Margaret Hill Bondholders holidaying at HPB’s Duloe Manor in Cornwall This advertisementisissued byHPB Management Limited (HPBM),the main UK agent and the property manager for HPB, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registered at HPB House,Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8EH. HPB is available exclusively throughHPBM. HPB isissued by HPB Assurance Limited (HPBA) registered in the Isle of Man and authorised by the Financial Services Authority there. HPBM promotes only HPB and is not independent of HPBA. Holders of policiesissued by HPBA will not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme ifthe company becomes unable to meetitsliabilitiesto them butIsle of Man compensation arrangements apply to new policies. £3,000 CASHPRIZEDRAW: 1st prize £2,500, plus 5 runners up prizes of £100, all in cash.No purchase necessary.Drawn 31stOctober 2023.Winners notified 6thNovember 2023. Claim prizes by 29thDecember 2023.Those under 18, HPB investors, employees, associates orthose in their households are not eligible. One entry per household. Full rules on request. Enjoy a lifetime of holidays in beautiful places Head gardener Richard Doney and his team are the heart and soul of the garden here at Duloe Manor Les and Margaret Hill with daughter Julie and grandson Blair at Duloe Manor Lodge Yard, Yorkshire Dales Buckland Court, Cotswolds
A lthoughDuloe Manor has exceptional gardens, itis by no means unique in the Holiday Property Bond portfolio. HPB’s homes are in beautiful locations, and we’ve always been at pains to ensure that the gardens and landscaping surrounding the accommodation should complement, and enhance, what’s already there, while remaining totally in keeping with the character of the site. St Brides Castle in Pembrokeshire and LodgeYard in theYorkshire Dales have both won prestigious gardening awards; the gardens at Upper Norton, near Ludlow, opened for charity as part of the National Garden Scheme, are the perfect place for quiet contemplation, asindeed isthe site itself; and at Buckland Court the garden has been recently transformed into what itshould be: a proper Cotswold garden. Further afield, Le Manoir du Hilguy, HPB’s Breton château,sitsin 11 acres of elegant grounds, which in spring and early summer are ablaze with vibrant rhododendrons; El Pueblito de Alfaix, in southern Spain, is made even more perfect by cascades of fragrant bougainvillea; and the awardwinning botanical gardens are one of the finest features of El Balcón de Santa Ana, the Holiday Property Bond’s beautiful holiday resort on the Canary Island of La Gomera. Imagine being able to enjoy fantastic holidaysin all these and many more beautiful locations – HPB’s portfolio currently includes more than 1,400 holiday homesin over 30 exclusive UK and European destinations. Now imagine making those dreams a reality for you and yourfamily this year and every year, forever. That’s exactly what over 40,000 discerning holidaymakers have already done and people like Les and Margaret Hill are delighted to say they’ve“never looked back”. Like so many families, the Hills have discovered a refreshing new approach to the way they plan and enjoy their holidays. It’s an approach that’s given them a more affordable alternative to buying and maintaining their own holiday property and it’s one that offers unrivalled flexibility.You can even passthe benefits on to your children and grandchildren so they will have a lifetime of wonderful holidaysto look forward to. It’s never been easierto experience theHoliday Property Bond for yourself, free and without obligation. Please read“Exclusive holidaysfor life” below to understand the risks as well as the benefits and then request your free Information Pack today.We’llsend you everything you need to decide whether the Bond isright for you. You’ll find details of our Bond holiday locationstogether with information about how you can book a private tour at one of our UK sites or arrange a meeting with a representative – either in person or virtually via an online video call. The Holiday Property Bond Exclusive holidays forlife An initial paymentfrom £5,000 and a quarterly fee of just over £35 (thatis around £140 a year), which can increase in line with but not exceed the Retail Price Index Excluding Mortgage Interest(RPIX), gives you accessto all HPB’s holiday homes. For eachHPB holiday, you will pay a no-profit user charge covering only property running and maintenance costs and use of on-site facilities.The charge isthe same throughoutthe year and for a studio averages about £347 a week and around £533 a week for a two-bedroom property. Larger properties are also available. After an initial charge of 25% your money isinvested in a fund of holiday properties and securities.The fund itself meets annual charges of 2.5% of its net assets at cost, calculated monthly. Your investmentreturn is purely in the form of holidays and, as with mostinvestments, your capital is atrisk.You can surrender your investmentto the company aftertwo years or more (subjectto deferral in exceptional circumstances) but you will get back lessthan you invested because ofthe charges referred to above, as well as other overheads and changesin the value ofthe fund’s properties and securities. El Balcón de Santa Ana, La Gomera Le Manoir du Hilguy, Brittany Request your free Information Pack Return the card Visit our website hpb.co.uk/gardens Call FREE on 0800665490 Broadcaster and Bondholder “I’m sure you’ll be as impressed asI am.”
PHOTO: SARAH CUTTLE 68 GardenersWorld.com October 2023 A cold snap can wreak havoc in the garden if you don’t protect frost-tender and borderline-hardy plants. Alan Titchmarsh explains how to do it
tender plants October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 69 Protect tender plants under cover in a frost-free location through the winter When we grow plants from all over the world, sudden drops in temperature can take them – and us – by surprise
1 2 3 70 GardenersWorld.com The nationwide cold snap in December 2022 reminded us that a lot of plants we’d come to regard as hardy were, in reality, not quite as tough as we thought. For a good decade and more we’d brought the likes of penstemons and shrubby salvias through winter out in the garden without a problem, but many gardeners lostthe lot last winter. Global warming isn’t a figment of our imagination, but it’s a mistake to forget that thing called ‘weather’ – even with overall rising temperatures, there’ll always be cold snaps that catch us out and remind us that when we grow plants from all overthe world, sudden drops in temperature can take them – and us – by surprise. I can stillrecall a 20-year experiment to verify the hardiness of eucalyptus species in the UK. It found that if temperatures dropped gradually, the plants could survive a surprisingly cold winter. However, a sudden drop – even if it wasn’t nearly as cold as a steadier decline – resulted in sudden death. With tender bedding plants, we ease them into coolertemperatures by ‘hardening them off’ – gradually accustoming them to lowertemperatures in the weeks prior to planting out at the end of May. It’s worth remembering that plants are just as sensitive to sudden drops in temperature as we are, except that they can’t simply reach for a vest or a sweater. What does ‘tender’ mean? There are many garden plants that we class as ‘frost tender’. They come from warmer countries than our own where frosts are unknown or, at least, very rare. In sub-zero temperatures the sap in their cells freezes and shatters the cell wall,reducing them to mush. Plants from cool, temperate climates like our own are equipped with a kind of botanical antifreeze that prevents such rupturing.Their growth slows to a standstill between October and March, when they’re capable of withstanding much lower temperatures than those whose constitutions – thanks to their country of origin – have no need of such provision. If you’re in doubt as to the hardiness of any plant in your garden, check up on its country of origin and make your own judgement; though there’s no substitute for hard-won experience. With large containers of slightly tender plants outdoors over winter, you have several options to improve their chance of survival. Don’t wrap them in polythene though: all too often plastic hangs on to moisture and prevents airflow around the plants, so instead of dying from low temperatures they’ll be polished off by moisture-loving fungi that thrive where P there’s a lack of air circulation. Where top HOTOS: PAUL DEBOIS; TORIE CHUGG; JASON INGRAM; SARAH CUTTLE October 2023
4 6 5 October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 71 My tender favourites 1 Pelargoniums Flowering right through the year, pelargoniums are brilliant, either in a cool greenhouse or pots or beds in the garden. I prefer to take cuttings in late summer, overwintering them in a frost-free greenhouse to replace my old plants come spring, but older plants do have their own charm! 2 Osteospermums Great front-of-border daisies in a wide range of colours. They’ll come through a mild winter, but it’s safer to overwinter some as cuttings inserted in modular trays, placed in a frost-free frame or greenhouse. 3 Fuchsias Some fuchsias are fully hardy; others are tender. Make sure you know which is which! With the tender types, cut back and pot up ‘stock plants’ in autumn, overwintering them under glass. Take cuttings in late winter/ early spring and grow on the plants ready to be planted out in May when the danger of frost has passed. 4 Dahlias Stalwarts of the mid- to late-summer border. Either dig up the tubers after the first frost to store in the shed until spring, or overwinter in situ under a thick compost mulch. Pot up tubers in late winter and early spring and take cuttings from the shoots that emerge in a warm greenhouse. The young plants will flower in their first summer. 5 Penstemons Elegant spires of foxglove-like flowers in a wide range of colours – mainly reds, pinks and purples. The broader the leaf, the more tender they’ll be. Give them a well-drained spot to get them through winter and take summer cuttings to overwinter in a frost-free frame. 6 Shrubby salvias These are great as border ‘fillers’ with flowers in colours from pink and red to orange, blue and purple. Many are hardy in all but the coldest of winters, but it’s always well worth overwintering them as rooted cuttings. Cut back surviving garden plants in spring. tender plants
72 GardenersWorld.com tender plants October 2023 when those out in the garden perished. If you have a frost-free greenhouse orframe, cuttings of tender perennials and shrubs rooted inlater summer canbe overwintered and planted out late the following spring. Granted, with no heat, a garden frame will boast a temperature barely a degree ortwo above those outdoors, but sometimes this can be enough to get young plants – grown on from rooted cuttings – through winter. Pelargoniums that have been bedded out in summer can be dug up, cut back by half and potted up in well-drained peat-free compost before being transferred to a frostfree greenhouse as ‘stock plants’. In towns, they’ll often come through the winter outdoors thanks to temperatures remaining higherthan those in the countryside. Keeping a ‘weather eye’ open – quite literally – will let you know when steps need to be taken to protect plants – either by throwing a few layers of fleece over them, or hauling them under cover when a severe drop in temperature is forecast. After heavy snowfall – once you’ve takena few pictures (snow makes every garden look picturesque!) – go out with a broom and knock the snow from evergreens, especially topiary. When snow melts, it increases in weight and can snap off the branches of yew, box and sometimes even holly. Act fast to save yourself the heartbreak. □ LISTENto ourlatest new podcast series Alan’s Favourites at GardenersWorld. com/podcast NEXT MONTH Alan shows you how to get your borders – and garden – in great shape for next year growth needs protection, use horticultural fleece instead, since it will allow for a degree of air circulation. By all means insulate terracotta and ceramic pots with bubblewrap: this will help prevent frost penetration that can freeze and fracture the container, as well as the plant’s roots. Move pots alongside the house where temperatures are likely to stay slightly higherthan out in the open garden. The crowns of tree ferns can be stuffed with dry straw or bracken to help insulate them.(Though, as one New Zealander once told me: “It gets bloomin’ cold out here, mate”. Cold, yes, but not quite as damp as the UK. Tree ferns may like a moist growing point in summer, but in winter when that moisture freezes, it can see them off.) Banana plants, such as Musa basjoo, need a comprehensive approach to get them through the winter. Cut off all the leaves and wrap the ‘stem’(technically, leaf bases)in horticultural fleece. Follow this with a top-coat of hessian sacking secured with twine. Alternatively, make a cylinder of wire netting around the denuded stem and fill it with dry straw, topping it off with a ‘lid’ of polythene to keep out the rain. Such provisions are best taken in October or early November before the frosts arrive. Taking a chance Dahlias (native to Mexico) can be dug up once theirfoliage has been blackened by frost. Chop off all the top growth and store the tubers in a dry, frostproof place. Mine are unceremoniously stacked under a bench in the potting shed – none of this ‘boxing them up in dry compost’ malarkey. The survivalrate when we plant them out again in spring is virtually 100 per cent. The alternative approach is to chop off the top growth and leave the tubers in the ground, mulching thickly with well-rotted manure or garden compost as insulation. Pay your money and take your choice – the chances are that in all but the coldest of winters they will come through. Perennials that you know to be slightly tender, like Convolvulus cneorum, should always be planted in well-drained soil and a sunny spot, sheltered from strong winds. Sogginess at the roots is a major cause of fatalities, so improve sticky soil with lashings of sharp grit to enhance drainage. If you have a border alongside a southor west-facing house wall, plant your tender perennials there, since the brick or stone will act like a storage heater and raise wintertemperatures that vital degree ortwo higherthan those encountered out in the open garden. Then there’s the ultimate insurance policy: cuttings. I did manage to keep quite a few plants going through last winter Check the maximum and minimum thermometer in case of frost PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE Take cuttings of tender plants in summer to insure against the losses of a hard winter How to overwinter plants indoors ◼ Water minimally, avoiding total dryness at the roots, but remembering that soggy compost can encourage rotting of the roots and the base of the stem. ◼ Ensure good air circulation around the plants. ◼ Watch out for pests and take steps to reduce them as soon as you see them. ◼ Remove any faded leaves regularly and carefully prune out dying stems. ◼ Avoid feeding the plants in winter – they can’t make use of the nutrients. ◼ Keep an eye on the maximum and minimum thermometer, checking that temperatures are high enough at night to ward off any frost. Bear in mind the following when overwintering plants under glass in a frost-free greenhouse or frame
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PHOTOS: NEIL HEPWORTH 74 GardenersWorld.com October 2023 Come October, days shorten and nighttime temperatures fall, so it’s time to ditch your summer crops. Salvage what you can by cutting off tomato trusses, mature melons and all cucumber fruits, young and mature. Lay tomatoes on a slatted tray placed somewhere sunny and warm so they can ripen (melons will ripen here, too). Cucumbers will last in the fridge for well over a week. Next, cut the plants into sections and pull up the roots, removing all traces of growth from the greenhouse. You can shred healthy plant parts and add them to the compost heap. Harvest the last summer crops Summer greenhouse crops may be coming to an end, but that’s no excuse to let your greenhouse stand empty over winter. October is the perfect time to plant up hardy crops that will give tasty pickings throughout the leaner winter months and well into spring. From spicy salad leaves and buttery lettuce to stalwart spinach and vitamin-packed kales, now is the time to reinvent your winter greenhouse space into a powerhouse that’s packed with delicious and nutritious leafy edibles. Last month, we explained that it’s getting a bit late to sow these hardy edibles, but if you didn’t get round to sowing them, don’t worry. These days, garden centres and mail-order seed companies sell a huge range of plug plants that will fill the gap, helping you to get well on your way to winter self-sufficiency. Clear beds of summer crops, harvesting mature fruits and setting aside young ones to ripen Winter bounty Plant up winter veg PART 2
winter greenhouse October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 75 Search out winter veg and salad plugs now to grow on in your greenhouse Best plants to grow from plugs ◼ Kale ◼ Lettuce ◼ Annual spinach ◼ Swiss chard ◼ Rocket ◼ Endive ◼ Mustard
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October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 77 winter greenhouse Hardy lettuce varieties such as ‘Winter Gem’ are ideal candidates for planting in the greenhouse now. They outrank shop-bought winter salads and can be harvested by the leaf to keep freshness optimum and waste to a minimum. Planted now, your lettuces will crop from next month right through until March, or even April. Prepare borders for growing 1Check pots and trays of lettuce and other hardy leaves sown last month for unwanted slugs, snails and other stowaways, as you move them under cover. 2 Dig planting holes for your lettuce plugs, then place one plant in each and gently cover the rootball with soil. Space plugs at least 25cm apart to allow them to reach full size. 3 Discourage rot with good plant spacing and regular greenhouse ventilation. Slug and snail damage can be minimised with careful application of organic slug pellets. 4 Water regularly and start to harvest lettuce leaves as they begin to grow large. Either regularly remove individual outer leaves or allow plants to bulk up to form a tender, flavoursome heart. What to do now: plant hardy lettuce Rehydrate border soil, then add an organic feed PHOTOS: NEIL HEPWORTH; JASON INGRAM
October 2023 PHOTOS: NEIL HEPWORTH; JASON INGRAM Deep-clean the structure Once your greenhouse is cleared of summer crops, and before winter ones are planted, it’s an ideal time to disinfect the structure. Citrus-based cleaning products can be used on frames, but be sure to ventilate. Wipe over glazing Wipe down the glass, inside and out, with a cloth or squeegee to remove surplus disinfectant. This will also take off any shade paint you may have applied, boosting valuable light levels for winter crops. Give it a good sweep Larger areas of the timber or aluminium framework can be cleared of cobwebs, dust and crop detritus using a broom. If you have an air compressor this makes light work of the task. Get into the nooks and crannies Greenhouse frames are filled with tricky-to-access nooks and crannies where dirt can collect. Try using an old toothbrush for this task – it makes an excellent cleaning tool for these areas. October greenhouse jobs NEXT MONTH Lucy shows how to harvest winter crops and keep plants healthy for a succession of pickings Your winter crops will bulk up during mild spells (especially if you’re using soil-warming cables at night). Cooler weather can encourage rot, however, so ventilate the greenhouse frequently and remove any yellowing leaves or those showing early signs of mould. One initial organic pellet application should keep slugs and snails at bay – but don’t forget to do the odd ‘patrol’ and pick off any pests that you see. Irrigate to keep the soil or compost just moist, but not waterlogged. Plant care over winter winter greenhouse Clean windows every year for healthy crops Clean right into greenhouse corners with an old toothbrush 78 GardenersWorld.com Wipe down the glass, inside and out, to boost valuable light levels for winter crops Keep an eye out for pests such as snails to protect your winter edibles
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Light green with black markings, the Merveille du Jour moth can be hard to spot among foliage Light green with black markings, the Merveille du Jour moth can be hard to P spot among foliage HOTOS: ALAMY/ANNE COATESY; PAUL DEBOIS; GETTY/DG WILDLIFE 80 GardenersWorld.com October 2023 Light green with black markings, the Merveille du Jour moth can be hard to spot among foliage Many gardeners extend their season of colour by growing late-flowering Verbena bonariensis, rudbeckias, Michaelmas daisies and sedums. This extra boost of nectar benefits pollinators, many of which may still be on the wing after a late start in spring. If conditions are mild, deadhead spent flowers to keep them producing more for as long as possible; if conditions are dry, then keep the plants well watered so they continue producing nectar. Unpredictable weather conditions are playing havoc with the lifecycles of bees and butterflies, so a good nectar drink now will make all the difference to those entering hibernation or flying south for winter. WORDS KATE BRADBURY You may spot… Merveille du Jour moth, Griposia aprilina The French for ‘marvel of the day’, it’s easy to see why the Merveille du Jour is considered one of our most beautiful moths. Mediumsized with a wingspan of 36-46mm, it flies from September to October and is found in woods, parks and rural gardens, where it feeds on ivy flowers and overripe berries. They are somewhat attracted to light, so look out for them resting nearby. After mating, females lay eggs among the bark crevices and branches of oak trees, before dying. The eggs remain on the tree through winter then hatch in spring, eating the inside of leaf buds before moving on to the flowers and the leaves of the tree. They feed at night, spending the day hiding in bark. When they’re ready to pupate, the caterpillars leave the tree and construct a cocoon in the soil nearby. Adults emerge in September, ready to start the process all over again. Alsobe onthe lookoutfor… ◾ Hedgehogs, especially if they’re out during the day. The hoglets may not be big enough to hibernate, so contact a rescue centre for advice. ◾ Comma butterflies basking in the sun before returning to hibernate in tree hollows or log piles. ◾ Shield bugs resting on plants. The green shield bug becomes darker at this time of year as it blends in with the leaves where it hibernates. And don’t miss… Listen to Kate’s podcast with Hugh Warwick about hedgehogs: bit.ly/GW-hedgehogs Hedgehogs may still be about before they hibernate this month Your wildlife month
October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 81 The Merveille du Jour moth is found in woods, parks and rural gardens, where it feeds on ivy flowers and overripe berries wildlife Discover more fascinating facts aboutMerveilleduJourmoth and ways toattractthem toyour gardeninour videoguide, exclusively for subscribers at: GardenersWorld.com/premium
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thrifty grower October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 83 PHOTOS: ALAMY/PEP1B4 TIM GAINEY; SHAUN FELLOWS/SHINE PIX LTD You can save £££s and keep your favourite plants going by collecting your own seeds. It’s also easy, fun and rewarding. Anish Mistry shows you how Anish Mistry is a horticulturalist at Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library, where he collects, stores and sows a wide range of seeds With summer coming to an end, now is the time to collect seeds from your favourite plants. Seed saving and sowing is not only a rewarding way to grow – and great for the environment – but also the cheapest. Most plants produce seeds once the flowers have gone over, so it’s possible to gather them, clean them up and store them, then sow them the following year. This means you can reduce the number of seeds and plants you buy, plus it’s a lovely way to share your favourite plants with friends and family. Follow my guide for successful germination using equipment you’ll probably already have. Save your own seeds Make sure collected seeds are completely dry before storing in labelled envelopes until spring
84 GardenersWorld.com October 2023 From ornamentals to edibles, many plants produce seeds that you can collect now How to save seeds from your plants How to collect seeds that will grow successfully Many seeds will produce new plants that are the same as the parents. But not all will, especially some named varieties. This is because plant breeding can affect reproduction – they might produce no seeds, or seeds that don’t germinate, or the offspring may be very different to the parents. For example with veg, many modern varieties are ‘F1 hybrids’, which aren’t suitable for seed collecting, so do check your original seed packets or plant labels. Wild plants or heirloom varieties are a more reliable choice for seed collecting, but if you really like something, it’s worth giving it a go – you may be pleasantly surprised by the results. Cross-pollination Unless your flowers are isolated, there is a chance they may get cross-pollinated with other plants. This happens when pollen is transferred between plants that are different varieties or even species. If a plant is crosspollinated, the offspring won’t be identical to either parent because the genetic material has been mixed. Ornamental plants that easily cross-pollinate include nasturtiums, petunias and dahlias, and veg crops such as squashes, spinach and broccoli. Sterile seeds Not all seeds will germinate, for various reasons. It can be due to a lack of pollination. Some pollinators make a hole in the back of a flower to get to the nectar, bypassing the pollen. It can also be due to environmental issues, such as long hot spells, when plants may redirect their energy from seed production into survival. To check, use the germination test on p86. Learn to spot different types of seedheads, like these on Cosmos ‘Millennium’ Seeds come in all shapes and sizes and are dispersed in different ways. Some simply fall to the ground, some are blown by the wind, and some form in pods that pop open and fling out their seeds. Timing is crucial when collecting seeds, so don’t wait too long – you need to gather them once ripe, but before they scatter or get eaten. They are generally ready to collect when the seeds or pod casings change colour and dry out, so keep watch. With pods, you can also give them a gentle shake – if you hear a rattle, it’s a sign the time is right to pick and process the seeds. When to collect seeds Let pea pods ripen on the plant, picking them when dry but before they split open PHOTOS: GETTY/ANDREA ASTES; NEIL HEPWORTH; JASON INGRAM; WILLIAM SHAW
October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 85 thrifty grower How to collect small seeds How to collect large seeds Plants that produce small seeds, such as poppies and carrots, usually do so in large quantities, so you can save huge amounts. But collecting such tiny seeds can be tricky. Pods can easily burst once dry, so place them straight into a container or bag. You’ll then need to separate the seeds from the casings. With seedheads, you may be able to just rub the chaff away with your fingers. With pods, place them in a paper bag and shake vigorously, then pour through a kitchen sieve to remove all the debris. Big seeds, such as sunflowers and pot marigolds, are easy to handle and collect once ripe. Either pick them individually or cut off the whole head and then remove the seeds. Dry off before storing. Large seeds in pods, such as beans and peas, can be left to dry on the stem. The whole pod can then be twisted off and broken open to remove the seeds for storage. Squirrels and other wildlife will readily devour seeds, especially large ones, so collect them as soon as they’re ripe or protect your chosen seedheads or pods with netting if necessary. Acanthus spinosus These pods are best picked when still green, before the large seeds fall. Wear gloves, as the plants can be prickly. Acanthus can also be propagated by root cuttings. Candle larkspur (Delphinium elatum) These flower-packed spires add height to the back of borders. When the seed pods are ripe, they turn from green to brown and crispy, with lots of tiny black seeds inside. Plants can also be propagated by division or basal cuttings. 1Use secateurs or snips to cut off the dry brown seed pods, keeping them upright. 1Hold the stem and grip the seed pod on either side. Pull down and away to remove. 2Tip the pod downward into your palm and shake out the seeds. Remove any bits of chaff. 2 Check for insect holes. If worried, cut open the pod to make sure the seeds are intact. 3Pour the clean seeds into an envelope, then label and store in an airtight box. 3 Place in a bag until dry, then remove the seeds. Store in an airtight container. The flower-clad spires of Delphinium elatum provide plenty of small seeds to collect After flowering, acanthus forms pods containing up to four large seeds
86 GardenersWorld.com October 2023 thrifty grower PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS NEXT MONTH Discover how you can save money by buying your plants with bare roots VISITthe product guides section of our website for expert reviews of everything from seed storage boxes to propagators at GardenersWorld.com/ reviews How to store your seeds Seeds should be kept in a place that is dry and cool with low humidity. At the Heritage Seed Library we use a cold store, but you could replicate these conditions in a fridge (great for longer-term storage, in an airtight container) or in a cool room. Label the seeds with the plant name and date, so you know what they are and how long they can be kept. In the right conditions, seeds can be stored for several years – perhaps longer than you might think. Cucumber seeds, for example, can last 10 years and tomato seeds up to eight. Once you’ve removed any chaff, insects or other debris from your collected seeds, they’re ready to be stored. Find a paper envelope, pour the seeds in and label it. Keep it with your other seed packets in a cool, dry place, such as in a spare room or shed How to test, prepare and store your seeds You will need To get started with seed collecting and storing, you need very little kit, and most things can be found around the house: ◼ Paper bags and envelopes ◼ Pen ◼ Snips ◼ Gloves ◼ Kitchen sieve ◼ Storage container How to test out your seeds 3 Cover with clear plastic and put in a warm, dark place. Keep the paper damp. Germination takes about 10 days. 1Fold a piece of kitchen paper and lay the double layer inside a tray or plate. Dampen it lightly with a little water. 2 Scatter seeds onto the damp paper. The more you test, the more reliable the results will be, but don’t deplete your stock. Once your seeds are in labelled envelopes, store them in a cool, dry place, protected from rodents To check if your collected seeds, or even seeds purchased in previous years, will germinate, it’s worth testing them, rather than going to the effort of storing and sowing them, only to wait in vain. It will also give you an idea of the germination rate, so you know how many to sow. It’s particularly useful if seeds are more than a year old, as germination rates decline.
October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 87 offer EXCLUSIVE EVENT AND LUNCH Join the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team for a day of festive luxury and fun on Thursday 14 December 2023 at the highly acclaimed Le Manoir hotel. Discover how to create your own Christmas table centrepiece and watch an expert cookery demo, then enjoy a champagne reception and two-Michelin-star lunch. Set in the heart of rural Oxfordshire, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is inspired by the plants that surround it. Pioneers of a sustainable approach, Raymond Blanc and his team are celebrated for bringing the outside in – the gardens and orchards inform not only the menus but every element of the Le Manoir experience. During this special day you will learn the art of creating a stunning table display that will leave your festive-season guests in awe. There will also be a captivating cookery demonstration led by Le Manoir’s talented chefs, who will reveal the secrets behind crafting a delectable festive dish. After these demonstrations, you’ll join a champagne reception followed by two-Michelin-star dining – a three-course lunch with wines, from an exquisite menu that reflects the festive spirit in every bite. So book now and treat yourself to an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling truly festive and inspired. A GREAT GIFT! Thursday 14 December 2023, £285pp Celebrate the festive season at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Places are limited so early booking is recommended. Please note that you’ll be seated with fellow guests for lunch. Enjoy a delicious three-course festive lunch with wines Created by Raymond Blanc, Le Manoir has two Michelin stars YOUR DAY ■ 10am Arrival for tea and coffee. ■ 10.30am Guests split into two groups for the demonstrations: Creating a Christmas Centrepiece or Festive Cookery. ■ 11.30am Groups swap. ■ 12.40pm Champagne apéritif and canapés. ■ 1.30pm Three-course lunch with wines. ■ 4pm Depart with a goody bag. Call 01844 277200 quote BBC Gardeners’ World Lunch Or email [email protected] ‘‘It was excellent. The gardens were beautiful and the food and drink exceptional. All the staff were charming. We had such fun with like-minded people – worth every penny!’’ Shelia, GW Magazine subscriber
from harvests and glorious colour changes to planting overwintering crops for next year, says JackWallington PHOTO: NEIL HEPWORTH October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 89 easy veg Hassle-free October may signify the end of the growing year, but there is still plenty of joy to be had, from harvests and glorious colour changes to planting overwintering crops for next year, says JackWallington
90 GardenersWorld.com October 2023 This time of year is particularly hassle-free because autumn’s more about eating than the work of winter or the rush of sowing in spring. It’s also the season of changing tones, as the leaves turn different shades of red, amber and sienna, which warms my heart against the greying skies and shortening days. Orange pumpkins and squash are welcome hits of colour on the allotment, as are the edible nasturtiums dotted about the place, matching the mood of the season. I pick a few to make salads more colourful and peppery. The Phacelia tanacetifolia I sowed in August as a temporary ground cover has worked a treat, stopping most weed seedlings. It’s flowering like mad and is abuzz with all manner of bees. Now’s the time to hoe the plants down while they’re in full flower to prevent self-sowing, which would lead to more weeding next spring. However, I’m going to leave them until we’re well into winter, not just to suppress seedlings now but also because I can’t bear to say goodbye just yet. PHOTOS: NEIL HEPWORTH We’re still picking final crops of padron peppers, lots of polytunnel and outdoor tomatoes and aubergine ‘Farmer’s Long’, which I’d hoped would produce more slices per fruit. Although they grew to regular aubergine length, they were thinner, almost making up for it with more fruits per plant. I’ve grown a few crops that promise lengthier vegetables, which means more food per plant so is less hassle picking and preparing per meal – beetroot ‘Cylindra’ is a winner as is radish ‘French Breakfast’ with its long, mild roots. On a sunny day I’ll harvest all of our pumpkins and winter squash, keeping a good length of stem, bringing them inside to dry on our windowsill. Drying takes a couple of weeks and is important to reduce the chance of mould and rot setting in around the stem. They’re dried when the stem is hard and woody, at which point I might cut some a little shorter. Apples and pears are ready to pick when you lift the fruit upward and they come away from the tree freely. Pick as needed or store in a cool, dark, dry place, placing each fruit gently so they don’t touch, to avoid mould. Harvest 3 veg with longer rts Beetroot ‘Cylindra’ Radish ‘French Breakfast’ Mooli radish
October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 91 Harvest beetroot this month for eating now or storage over winter I’ve been growing garlic ‘Picardy Wight’ from the same small batch I bought a number of years ago – they’re essentially perennial edibles. Each summer when I pick them, I set aside the biggest three bulbs to replant in October (when I lived in the south of the country I used to plant them in November because the weather was milder). While I have to pick and replant some, I don’t need to think about buying any, which is one less hassle and all our garlic is now free. Planting garlic is easy. First, break apart all of the cloves as gently as possible and discard the smallest. Use a dibber to plant each clove so the top is about 2.5cm below the soil surface and 15cm apart from each other. Leave enough room between rows to hoe. Other than weeding, garlic can be left to its own devices. I chose ‘Picardy Wight’ originally because it grows well on wet, cold soils and, as it’s a soft-neck variety, it stores incredibly well through winter. It’s ideal for our exposed plot in Yorkshire. I’ve grown it through all kinds of winter weather here for three years. easy veg Plant Plant strong-flavoured garlic ‘Picardy Wight’ now for an earlier crop next year
October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 93 easy veg Outside I sowed our overwintering peas (3cm deep, 10cm apart) and broad beans (5cm deep, 20cm apart) last month because cold weather comes early for us, but if you haven’t, there‘s still time this month. Sow both in straight rows, 30cm apart or a double row in a zigzag pattern for good spacing. If the weather turns cold before they’ve grown to over 20cm, cover them with horticultural fleece to keep them cosy. Inside This winter I’m going to try growing wild rocket in pots inside my polytunnel. You can do the same now in an unheated glasshouse, cold frame or even on a cold windowsill. I plan to sow a few seeds per 9cm pot of peat-free, multi-purpose compost, 1cm deep, thinning to one plant per pot, growing them through winter to add some of their peppery leaves to salads. Because wild rocket is a hardy perennial plant, in spring I’ll plant them outdoors in the veg patch. Rocket can be grown in a polytunnel or unheated greenhouse through winter Sow outside and inside Sow pea ‘Meteor’ outdoors now for early pickings next spring. It’s tolerant of windy sites PHOTOS: NEIL HEPWORTH; JASON INGRAM I sowed overwintering peas and broad beans last month, but if you haven’t, there’s still time 3 squash for winter storing ‘Marina di Chioggia’ ‘Black Futsu’ ‘Hunter’
94 GardenersWorld.com October 2023 Leave the strongest-looking vegetable plants in a row to flower and set seed, saving their seeds for next year. Peas and beans are the easiest – simply wait until the pods begin to dry, picking them on a dry day just as they open. Store the seeds in a paper packet or envelope, labelling it immediately so you don’t forget what’s inside. Include the variety name, date of packing and location. Keep the packets in a cool, dark and dry place to prolong the seeds’ viability and prevent mould. Use them next year. Most seeds can be saved like this, although I’m careful to reduce the chances of crosspollination, which can lead to the offspring being different to the plants you grew. For instance, I only grow and save seed from one pea variety, making sure it doesn’t flower at the same time as others. Tomato seeds can be saved by first scooping the seeds onto a plate and then leaving them to dry for a week or two. The seeds might go mouldy at first, because tomatoes are full of moisture, but they’ll be fine once they’re fully dried. Collect the drying peas straight from the plant into paper packets for storage Save peas for sowing next year by picking them before they fall from their pods NEXT MONTH It’s time to start harvesting brassicas, plus Jack shows how covering soils can prevent weeds VISITGardenersWorld.com/ grow-veg for more time-saving tips on growing your own crops Work PHOTOS: NEIL HEPWORTH easy veg
PHOTO: DAVID LOFTUS 96 GardenersWorld.com October 2023 Homegrown squash are an early-autumn crop, full of delicious culinary potential. Rukmini Iyer teams them with baked gnocchi and goat’s cheese With a bit of luck, you might still have the last of the homegrown tomatoes coming off the vine this month. My daughter Alba is just coming up to two, and is taking her job as Chief Tomato Picker very seriously, carefully selecting just the red ones and placing each tomato on the patio table, before asking to be lifted up to pick the next one – a slow but very enjoyable way to harvest. I have to admit that my own squash plants weren’t very happy in pots this year, but my mum luckily had a bumper crop in her veg patch. They’re perfect for autumn casseroles, grated into rosti and muffins, roasted with spices and served alongside lemony pearl barley. Here, I share a favourite baked gnocchi and squash recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mashing roasted squash with ricotta, to use as a filling for homemade pasta, served with sage butter – it’s on my list to try with our pile of gifted squash.
October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 97 grow & cook Squash are perfect for autumn casseroles, grated into rosti and muffins, roasted with spices and served alongside lemony pearl barley
Treat yourself to the sweet and juicy crunch of a Pink Lady® apple. DELECTAPPLE
October 2023 GardenersWorld.com 99 grow & cook SERVES 4-6 PREP TIME 20 minutes COOK TIME 55 minutes FOR THE BAKE ■ 1kg squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into 1.5cm cubes ■ 1 sprig rosemary ■ 1 teaspoon chilli flakes ■ 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes ■ 1½ tablespoons olive oil ■ 1kg potato gnocchi FOR THE TOPPING ■ 500ml crème fraîche ■ 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes ■ 125g log goat’s cheese, sliced ■ Handful panko breadcrumbs ■ 50g pine nuts ■ Freshly ground black pepper ■ Greek basil leaves to serve METHOD 1 Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan. Tip the squash, rosemary, chilli, sea salt and olive oil into a roasting tin. Mix, then bake for 25 minutes, till just softening. 2 Putthe gnocchi in a bowl and pour over boiling water. Leave for 2 minutes,then drain well. 3 For the topping, remove the tin of roasted squash from the oven and stir through the gnocchi, crème fraîche and sea salt. 4 Scatter over the goat’s cheese, breadcrumbs, pine nuts and some freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with a little olive oil, if you wish, then transfer to the oven to bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. This is a wonderful rib-sticker of a dish. Perfect for a crowd, just as good warmed through next day. Baked gnocchi with goat’s cheese & roasted squash PHOTO: DAVID LOFTUS If you’ve been inspired to produce your own food, go to GardenersWorld. com/gyo-offers for a great selection of GYO offers to suit whatever size space you have. offer Grow your own fruit and veg
Freshly harvested carrots taste delicious and in rainbow colours they look good, too 100 GardenersWorld.com October 2023 grow & cook PHOTOS: GETTY/ROXILLER; PAUL DEBOIS NEXT MONTH Rukmini celebrates autumn fruits with a comforting apple and blackberry brioche pudding Other flavours from the plot Get started October is a time when the veg patch seems to slow down, but there are a number of crops you can sow now to grow on undercover. ■ Summer cauliflower Sow under cover in modular trays or small pots, 1cm deep. Protect seedlings through winter in a cloche or cold frame, watering as required. Harden off before planting out, 45cm apart, in spring after all risk of frost. ■ Broad beans Sow indoors individually in small pots or modules. Transplant outside after six weeks for early broad beans by May. ■ Peas I love these as cut-and-come-again pea shoots. Sow thickly in a seed tray with good drainage for a couple of windowsill harvests of fresh, young shoots for salads. Carrots are a seasonal treat. They are fun to harvest and taste wonderful fresh from the patch. I like to give them the Heston Blumenthal glazed carrot treatment: peel and halve smaller carrots or cut larger ones into even pieces, tip them into a pan of foaming butter in one layer with cardamom seeds, salt and a tiny pinch of sugar, cover and then leave to cook, adding a splash of water every so often, until tender. You’ll never eat them any other way! Sweet potatoes are an absolute kitchen workhorse – if there is nothing else in the cupboards, you can make a good meal with them. I like to roast them whole in their jackets until meltingly soft, then stuff with garlicky black beans, roasted red onions and ricotta. Peppers make an easy side dish. Roast them whole in the oven then stir through good jarred butter beans along with an olive oil, basil and lemon dressing. A couple of handfuls of chopped toasted walnuts add texture and interest, making an easy and filling sharing plate. Sow peas indoors, 1-2cm deep, and pick the young shoots for tasty winter salads