Gardeners’ World – November 2024

As the year draws to a close, some plants still flowering, possibly because of the rain and mild weather. My marigolds are better now than they were in the summer, and some people have poppies and primula in flower. Split and move perennials now, while the ground is warm, so they can get established before the really cold weather. Prune climbing roses, tying them onto wires or a frame.

Hellebore leaves are untidy and may show signs of leaf spot. Cut  them down to about 1” and when the flowers appear, they can be seen better. I have some buds starting to show already. Burn or bin affected leaves.

Clear leaves off lawns otherwise they get wet, and the grass may be damaged or even killed. Also take the thickest off flower borders as slugs live underneath and feed on any young shoots. Leaf mould is a wonderful soil conditioner.  Bag up leaves and make a few holes in the bags; next year you can spread the contents on the garden. Or added to the compost heap it makes good mulch. Be careful, a pile of leaves by a wall or under a shrub could be a hedgehog nest.

As annuals die down, clear them and put on the compost heap. Tidy the borders ready for starting again next year.

Gardeners’ World will take a break over the winter, hopefully returning next spring – Ed.