Gardening

Delightful daisies from the land of the rising sun

Two of the most delightful plants for flowering in September are the Japanese Anemone and Aster or commonly better known as Michaelmas daisies.

Japanese anemone is perfect for the middle or back of a border with its large saucer-shaped flowers borne on upstanding stems sculpted in shades of pink or white with prominent yellow stamens.

The plant has a long flowering period from midsummer to autumn. Native to central Asia and, as the name suggests naturalised in Japan for hundreds of years, these plants flower in shady areas and under the protection of larger plants.

They can be a little invasive and are a bit slow to get established, however you must plant them in a place that you are happy with as they are difficult to move once they have become established. Once they have become deeply rooted, you will have difficulty getting the fibrous root out and they will often pop up again from the smallest portion of root remaining in the ground in the following seasons.

A x hybrida Honorine Jobert is a white variety and can be slightly shorter in height whereas A x hybrida Queen Charlotte is a delightful double pink. September charm makes an excellent cut flower for a vase. There will be a selection of Japanese anemone plants at Wagon House Gardens at The Jinney Ring craft centre this September.

Aster with starry-shaped blooms is the flower for September. Also known as Michaelmas daisies, they can

be grown in a pot or container. They must be kept moist but not sodden and if you have clay soil your Asters will be happy, They also like as much sun as possible. To keep them at their best, divide them regularly in early spring every couple of years to stop them going woody.

Their attractive daisy-like flowers will brighten up any dull corner of the garden with their spectacular vibrant almost neon blues, purples, pinks and whites when other summer blooms are fading. Easy to divide in the spring by separation, they are not fussy about soil type and will grow almost anywhere so are perfect for a cottage or informal garden.

I hope you have made the most of your garden this summer, make a few notes on what has worked well and also what you might like to improve upon for next year. If you’re thinking of a makeover for the border, then the end of September is the ideal time to do this to allow plants to get established before the winter. Happy Gardening.

Karl Strawbridge

Wagon House Gardens The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Hanbury, B60 4BU Tel: 01527 821421

September jobs in the garden

Plant wallflowers out together with winter pansies. Plant up Autumn pots and baskets with heathers and Cyclamen. Trim conifer hedges to keep neat and manageable. Plant out spring cabbage. Plant Hyacinth now into bowls for Christmas gifts

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