Lyn and Duncan Wilson inspired us all with their October talk. They run Pine Tree Nurseries and Garden Design Services, based near Glassonby, in the foothills of the Pennines. Although long established, their nursery has recently undergone extensive renovations. Their specialist interests are in perennials, grasses, shrubs, conifers and trees.
Lyn
began by commenting on the beauty and variety of autumn
and winter’s
shrubs
and trees. Although fading, summer plants can still offer beauty and
form as they die. Hips,
haws, acorns, conkers, sloes and many more fruits can be seen in the
hedgerows and trees all around the countryside and in our gardens.
When
selecting a small garden tree there are many that offer interest and
colour throughout every season, from spring blossom to beneficial
fruit and stunning autumn leaf colour, whilst displaying a lovely
silhouette of stem shapes throughout winter.
The perennial debate of ‘to clear or not to clear’ was discussed. Although it remains a personal choice, there is a tendency these days to leave many more plants to ‘die gracefully’ rather than gardeners having an autumn blitz; cutting everything back to ground level.
Phlomis, sedum, achillea, ligularia and eryngium are good examples of perennials with sturdy and attractive flower heads, (although plants such as hostas and summer bedding may need an autumn tidy).
Habitat requirements and vital food sources for small creatures can be provided when allowing a more natural dieback process in our gardens. In spring these plants can be cut down before the emergence of new seasonal flowers.
Autumn and winter maintenance includes clearing out bird boxes, picking up lawn leaves to make leaf mould and adding hummus to compost bins.
With sharp secateurs in hand, Lyn used a selection of her shrubs, grasses and other perennials in order to demonstrate how, why and where to prune particular plants. Here are some of her tips:
A light prune for roses in autumn to avoid ‘root rock’ during winter winds and then giving them a harder prune in early spring.
Hydrangeas require different approaches. Paniculata and smooth arborescens types flower on next year’s stems, so stems can be reduced in autumn. Macrophylla types flower on the current year’s growth, so keep you secateurs in your pocket!
Remember the old adage for pruning on what to cut back; ‘The Three Ds’ - Dead / Diseased / Damaged.
Don’t forget scent. Try to have fragrant shrubs close to doors and paths. They lift the winter blues. Examples include sarcococca, skimmia, mahonia, viburnum and hamamelis.
Enjoy those winter evergreens such as pieris, leucothoe, camellia, rhododendron and holly; together with the amazing array of conifers (dwarf, medium and large).
What an enthusiastic talk and demonstration. Thank you Lyn & Duncan.
https://pinetreenurseries.co.uk/
So be inspired, the soil is still warm. Here’s to a satisfying dig or two before Bonfire Night.
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| Trish's Assistants in Broadwath |
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