September in the Garden: Tips from Gardenesque's Founder Ali
As the vibrant days of summer slowly give way to the cooler, crisper air of autumn, September brings a unique blend of tasks and opportunities in the garden. It’s a time of transition, where we round off our summer activities and start preparing for the upcoming season. I’m Ali, the founder of Gardenesque, and I’m excited to share my personal insights and tips for making the most of this beautiful month in the garden.
Wrapping Up Summer Activities
September is the perfect time to reflect on the successes of your summer garden and address any lingering tasks. With the mild weather, it's prime time to harvest late-summer vegetables like tomatoes, courgettes, and beans. Regular harvesting encourages continued production and ensures you enjoy the freshest produce.
As we transition to autumn, continue deadheading spent flowers to extend their blooming period. Pruning back overgrown perennials keeps your garden tidy and healthy, setting the stage for a vibrant display next year. Don’t forget to give your lawn a final mow, setting the blades a bit higher to protect the grass during the cooler months.
Preparing for Autumn
As we prepare for autumn, there are several key tasks to set your garden up for success. Consider planting autumn-blooming flowers such as chrysanthemums, asters, and pansies. These hardy plants add a splash of colour to your garden as summer fades. Applying a fresh layer of mulch to flower beds and around trees helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate roots as temperatures begin to drop.
Early September is also an excellent time to divide overcrowded perennials like hostas and daylilies. This not only rejuvenates the plants but also helps fill out other areas of your garden. It's a simple task that can make a big difference in the overall health and appearance of your garden.
As it starts getting cooler, if you've any gentle plants that struggle with the cold, now is the time to start thinking about bringing them inside. Our brand new Gardenesque x Ecopots collaboration features pots with hidden wheels, that allow you to effortlessly move the pots from A to B.
Garden Furniture Maintenance
With summer gatherings coming to an end, it’s important to care for your garden furniture to ensure it remains in top condition for next season. This season, a big trend has been Wooden Garden Furniture - such as our Repton Collection. Make sure you clean it with a mild soap solution and a soft brush. After drying, apply a protective sealant and store it in a dry place. Rattan furniture should be dusted and cleaned with a gentle detergent. Consider using furniture covers or storing pieces indoors to protect them from autumn rain.
Metal furniture also requires attention. Wipe down metal furniture and apply a rust-resistant spray. Cover or store in a dry area to prevent moisture damage. Proper maintenance ensures your furniture remains beautiful and functional for many seasons to come.
Planning for Next Year
September is an ideal time to start thinking ahead and planning for next year’s garden. Now is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. Plant them in well-drained soil and at the appropriate depth for a stunning display next spring. Reflect on what worked well this year and what could be improved. Sketch out new designs or layouts for your garden to enhance its beauty and functionality.
We've recently introduced some new variations to one of our best selling pots, the Ancient Pot. If you're thinking about experimenting with some new pots, now is the time - plant them up ready for next season!
Starting a compost pile with garden waste, kitchen scraps, and fallen leaves is another great project for September. By next spring, you’ll have rich compost to nourish your plants, promoting a healthy and productive garden.
What I’m Up To This Month
This September, I’m particularly excited about a few specific projects. I’m refreshing my flower beds with autumn blooms and adding a new layer of mulch to keep everything looking pristine. I’m also cleaning and organising my toolshed (this is the exact one I use!) to make sure I've got everything I need for a successful winter garden.
I've been reading up on House and Garden about their Winter Garden Care tips in preparation for the colder months ahead - I highly suggest checking them out if you've got a spare few minutes to read.
To celebrate the end of summer, I’m hosting a small garden party with close friends and family, enjoying the beauty of the garden before the autumn chill sets in. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the hard work that’s gone into the garden all summer and to look forward to the coming seasons.
And so...
September in the garden is a time of reflection, preparation, and planning. By following these tips, you can ensure your garden remains beautiful and productive as we transition into autumn. Enjoy the process, and embrace the changes that each new season brings. Happy gardening!
Warm regards,
Ali
Founder, Gardenesque
