It’s good, the October garden, is good! The delicious misty mornings, raindrops turning every leaf into a chandelier, the distinctive smell of the earth underfoot. October is the garden is very special indeed.

With family life being the focus in August and September, I have to let cutting beds do their sweet thing. When October comes around, its like I’m stepping into a new world. Plants seem to swell with the cooler temperatures, giving one last show before fading away in November. As a cut flower grower there isn’t much that needs to be done during the month. It’s too early for bulbs and seed sowing is fairly straight forward – the advantage of warmth and light makes seeds germinate quickly. It’s bliss!

From a business point of view, I’d switch out the Tithonia for more Cosmos, Amaranth or Dahlias. I know these super reliable plants flourish on slight neglect and I can get away with planting them out in early August. However, I’m not sure that orange is the most popular with customers. BUT they do look good in the mist and perhaps better suited to a boarder? Lots to consider for next year.

Whilst we’re thinking about plants for next year, Ageratum needs to go on the list. I haven’t included it in these images but want to note it down. Mine have been amazing in dry hotspots in the garden and at the allotment they have thrived! I grew a purple variety but will do the full colour range next year. They went in late July early August and have been flowering abundantly for months. They give arrangements a gorgeous textural element.

If you haven’t thought about bulbs, there is still plenty of times to order. I recommend J.Parkers if you want an affordable way to get started or Peter Nyssen for more unusual varieties. If bulb planting is really new remember this…Daffodils/Narcissi will come back yearly. Tulips will only flower once. I tend to add more daffs than tulips to my beds. And if you need spring planting inspiration take a look at my Kuekenhof Post.

I’ll leave you to get lost in the photos but If you haven’t felt brave enough to start your own garden. Now is the perfect time to get planning and give it a go. Here’s are two great posts on Creating a Cutting Garden and a Spring Planting Guide.

Rosehips in an October Garden
  • English Green house in October
  • Dried Hydrangeas
Strawberry flower in October
Zinnia Flowering in October
  • October Cutting Garden
  • Tithonia in flower in October
Greenhouse in an October Cutting Garden
  • Autumn Grown Ranunculus
  • Autumn Started Seedlings

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