NOT all tender plants growing in borders need to be lifted for winter – indeed, you may not be able to do so if they have grown too large.
Evergreen agapanthus, which are generally less hardy than deciduous varieties, can be protected in borders with a thick mulch of straw, chippings, well rotted organic matter or Strulch (an enriching, straw-based mulch) over their root area.
Dahlias and cannas are left in the soil until their leaves are blackened by the first frosts. If your garden is very sheltered you can leave dahlias in the soil through winter. Generously mulch over the tuber and root area and cut back their top growth to 4in (10cm).
Penstemons are another plant that can fall foul of really hard winters, but they are usually hardy enough to be left in place with their top growth reduced by a third so this year’s stems will protect the plant’s more vulnerable crown.
Denne historien er fra October 02, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra October 02, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters