Floors Castle Garden Centre, Kelso, Scottish Borders: Things to do in October

Plant of the month: Sorbus (Rowan, Mountain Ash)

These popular trees, often associated with folklore and tales of witchcraft, do particularly well in Northern regions of the UK. At this time of year the foliage colours up well to shades of red, and a beautiful crop of berries appears. The red-berried Sorbus aucuparia is the most popular choice, but there are many more to choose from - look out for the yellow berried Sorbus "Joseph Rock" and the pretty foliage of Sorbus vilmorinii which has pink fading to white berries. Plant in any reasonable soil avoiding very hot, dry conditions.

Tip of the Month:

Lift Dahlia tubers before the first hard frost and store them in a cool, dry place. Apply Vitax Green Sulphur to all tubers which
acts as a long term fungicide helping protect against fungal infection over the winter months.

Gardening Tasks:

Ö		Continue to plant fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs. Don't forget to feed with Bonemeal and to securely stake and tie all trees.

Ö		Reduce the height of all roses by about one-third to help them withstand the winter winds.

Ö		Lift, divide and replant any large herbaceous perennials, such as hardy geraniums, Hostas, Solidago etc.

Ö		Place netting over garden ponds to prevent contamination by falling leaves.

Ö		Continue to plant out winter bedding plants. Also plant out wallflowers. Sweet Williams, and Bellis for a good display next spring.

Ö		Feed established lawns with Phostrogen Autumn Feed, Weed and Mosskiller.

Ö		Harvest and store all remaining runner beans, French beans, courgettes, tomatoes and marrows before the first frost.

Ö		Harvest all apples and pears.

Ö		Cut down asparagus to just above the ground.

Ö		Move any tender plants, such as figs, olives and cannas to a sheltered position or, preferably, into a greenhouse.

Ö		Remove the last of the bedding plants.

Ö		Save sweet pea seeds before pulling out the plants and composting them.

Ö		Sweep leaves off lawn using a natural birch besom.

Ö		Don't forget Halloween on the 31st October - A choice range of ceramic Lanterns are available from the garden centre from just £2.99. Perfect if you want to avoid the plastic, supermarket version of Halloween!

October Events at the Garden Centre:

Christmas Extravaganza:
We know it's early, but we launch our Christmas display in mid-October to give you all plenty of ideas for Christmas. Our focus
is on offering a wide range of goods at sensible prices, which appeal to all ages and tastes. Bring along the children to get
ideas for a fun family Christmas.

Putting the Garden to Bed:
Stock up on a good pair of secateurs for cutting back your plants. Free advice available on how to prepare your garden for winter.