Temperatures during August mainly stayed in the mid to low 20s (20°C) without the scorching heat or high humidity levels; rain showers were welcome in what has been a largely dry summer.
September – the first of the autumn months – can often bring a marked change in temperatures; days are shortening as the sun’s warmth decreases. But there are likely to be periods of fine weather ahead.
September has a calm and still quality – created as the sun moves lower in the sky. There are still summer flowers to enjoy – different varieties of roses, Salvias, Sunflowers, Geraniums, but autumn plants are beginning to bloom alongside – such as the (annual) Chrysanthemum, Michaelmas daisy and Sedum. Some of the early spring and summer flowering shrubs (Pyracantha, Viburnum, Cotoneaster) now have colourful berries.
A plant that is often overlooked because it appears to grow everywhere – in brick walls, paths, railway viaducts and on waste ground – is Buddleia (Butterfly bush). It grows wild but also comes in several different cultivated varieties with fragrant nectar rich, purple flowers from June to late September. If you have space it is worth growing, to attract butterflies and as a habitat for the smaller birds (sparrows and blue tits). Buddleia has minimal soil requirements, needs pruning in March – to ensure bushy growth and plenty of blooms. Take cuttings during September and plant outside – or a wild specimen may just turn up in the garden or wall!
The workload is beginning to change – weeding and watering are still needed but plans for next year’s planting are on the gardening agenda – either for the ornamental beds, veg plot or containers. Spring flowering bulbs such as Snowdrops, Glory of the Snow and Grape Hyacinths are worth considering plus the Anemone (corm).
September is the traditional harvest month – but different fruit and vegetables crop through the summer months (depending on planting times). Squash, pumpkins plus late potato varieties will be ready during September. As veg is harvested and the plot is gradually cleared of produce – start planting spring cabbages and garlic for next year.
Tidy borders, and prepare new beds for planting trees and shrubs. Continue deadheading roses, check for diseases such as rust and mildew; train the climbing and rambling roses by tying in new growth – or prune back. Remove fading summer bedding annuals – or if they are still flowering tidy/deadhead and feed to keep them going through the month.