Over the FENCE
Plenty of sights for us to behold!
There’s an autumn feel now and it’s time to tuck more bulbs in, cut back tired growth and ready the garden and allotment for some winter rest. I’ve been clearing the allotment, lifting the last potatoes, carrots and spinach and clearing invasive weeds from the bank next to the plot. Sprouts and garlic look promising and raspberries have been delicious. Once I’ve finished tidying, I’ll put a thick top layer of manure on the raised beds and plan the next plantings.
In the garden, the acer shines a striking gold, while Amelanchier arborea has fabulous multi-coloured leaves and Cotoneaster horizontalis turns the fence crimson with its berries and leaves. In the borders, the schizostylis ‘Pink Princess’ has spread and, along with Michaelmas daisies ‘Algar’s Pride’, brings a dancing froth amid brighter rudbeckia, sedum and red dahlias. Michaelmas daisies are fabulous, buzzing with insects, however, they do get invasive and our plan next year is to remove them from the side borders to limit them to the back of gardenthethegarden. the garden.
I’ve finally revived a bowl of chrysanthemums! We brought two identical potted plants at a garden centre four years ago and each year, with TLC, they return to some degree. This year, being in the same place and treated the same has brought very different results. It’s interesting that one plant looks set to bloom beautifully and the other one has practically disappeared!
Last month we focussed on looking for animal life. We saw plenty of wasps and bees, a red admiral butterfly, crane flies, a dragonfly, a mouse and a wide variety of birds. We learned that crane fly larvae are beneficial to decomposition as they feed on decaying matter. We’re keeping the bird feeders topped up to ensure regular visits, which can be quite a spectacle and a positive sign of a healthy habitat.
A large ring of big toadstools appeared in the new grass. It was exciting for our youngest son and, initially, a concern for us! But we were reassured to discover they commonly appear in new turf. We removed them and with regular mowing they shouldn’t return.