There is suddenly a distinct chill in the air that is reminding us that autumn is here.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Despite that there is still plenty of warmth left in the soil and I am sure in the next few weeks we will still see the odd warm day or two.
We are about to 'tick over' into May and there is such a wide range of fantastic plants that can be planted now, the only thing left to do is roll up your sleeves and get gardening.
Please plant lots of colour in your garden.
The cold months are dull enough so a splash of glorious colour is a must.
Filling the shelves at all garden centres will be violas and pansies.
The best thing about these two is that they are just starting to flower now and will continue to do so right throughout the cold months and well into the spring.
Violas will also seed readily so they will surprise you by popping up again and again in the following years.....bargain.
Also you will now find primula and stocks available.
These two are predominantly late winter, early spring flowering but start planting them soon.
When planting out small seedlings scatter some pet-friendly snail bait (such as Multiguard) around or you may find all your plants missing by the very next day and that is frustrating.
Other fabulous colour creating annuals that are available now are snapdragons, alyssum, poppies, dianthus, lobelia, foxgloves, hollyhocks, larkspurs and don't forget the livingstone daisies.
All of these will provide you with non-stop flowers and will look great for months spilling out of pots or garden beds.
Despite the fact that spring is still a fair way off it is important to plant your spring flowering bulbs now.
Jonquils, daffodils, freesia, hyacinth and ranunculus are all hardy, easy-to-grow bulbs that do well in our climate and can all be grown in pots or garden beds.
For a beautiful display try planting hyacinth bulbs in small terracotta pots and use as a table centre.
They are unbelievably stunning and you will be shocked at how something so magnificent is so easy to grow.
Come on gardeners, I challenge you to see how much colour you can create in your gardens this autumn and winter.
