With the crisp autumn air upon us, Britain’s cherished horticulturist and Gardeners’ World star, Frances Tophill, shares her insights into how the autumn season can be an ally in creating a flourishing garden while saving money. Her wisdom has exuberated hope for numerous gardening enthusiasts looking for efficiency both in cost and visual pleasure.
Embrace the Autumn Planting Season
Emphasizing the economic benefits, Frances Tophill, in her recent feature in BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, suggested that autumn is not merely an end but a beginning. The cooler months offer the perfect opportunity to set the groundwork for an impressive spring display. According to Wales Online, Frances advises sowing seeds and protecting tender plants during these months, transforming your garden into a cost-effective and vibrant space.
The Secret of Bulbs and Their Double Duty
For a spectacular spring bloom without splurging on fully-grown plants, Tophill recommends selecting and planting specific bulb varieties now. From tulips to crocuses, these bulbs promise not only color but a significant financial return by the time they bloom. Proper planting, she adds, demands positioning the bulbs at a depth thrice their size to ensure robust growth.
Propagate to Perfection
Relying on the cyclical nature of plants, Frances champions lifting and dividing perennials this season to enliven your garden. By doing so, overpopulated areas can be rejuvenated, and surplus plants can be shared among gardening communities or planted elsewhere. Propagating through hardwood cuttings is her top tip, particularly effective with hazel and willow, which promise new growth through winter.
Harvest, Store, and Reap the Rewards
Another intriguing piece of advice from Frances is to preserve summer bulbs. As highlighted by the RHS, these bulbs, when stored appropriately in cool, dry conditions, can propagate for spring replanting. Think begonias and dahlias as prime contenders for this cost-savvy approach, ensuring a future bloom that delights the senses, year after year.
Seed Gathering for Future Bounty
An often-overlooked step in garden maintenance involves gathering seeds before the harsh winter elements settle in. With dozens of varieties like sunflowers and rudbeckia ready to be harvested, gardeners can secure next season’s plants economically and efficiently. This approach not only bolsters the garden’s longevity but also nurtures biodiversity throughout the garden landscape.
In embracing the wisdom of Frances Tophill, gardeners can seamlessly merge cost-efficiency with eye-catching beauty, turning every effort into an artful display of nature’s generosity. As she playfully quips, “With planning and patience, the autumn season will unfurl your garden’s true potential.” “`