Full-tilt florals As summer fades, there's no need for the garden to lose its lustre. There are plenty of plants that are going full tilt in September, injecting colour that can last well into early winter. As a bonus, they give insects like butterflies a chance to fuel up with nectar before it turns cold. Use these late-bloomers as permanent border plantings or raise in pots and move to wherever they're needed to pep up dull spots.
Dreamy spires
Tall spires and pokers contrast beautifully with circular- and ball-shaped flowers, like asters and dahlias. They also marry well with buff and silvery grasses. Top choices include crimson-pink Salvia 'Silas Dyson' (H60cm) and wine-plum Salvia 'Go-Go Purple' (H1m). Agastache 'Blue Fortune' has a double bubble of lavender-blue spikes and aromatic leaves (H1m), while red-hot poker 'Tawny King' (H1.2m) has torch-like heads of orange and cream.
HOT SHOTS
Warm up the garden with orange, red and yellow hues that glow in mellow September light.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing