November: Fireworks of flowers
As we clear away Halloween decorations, we make way for Bonfire Night celebrations.
With daylight saving ending last week, we’re greeted by darker and chillier mornings, so winter really is on its way. But there’s something so cosy and magical about this time of the year, when you can stay warm indoors with a hot drink. Then, from the comfort of your home, you can look out at your garden full of earthy tones of russet reds and auburn oranges, using these top ten plants for inspiration.
With Bonfire Night approaching, you may have planned to go to a locally organised show. However, if you’re choosing to do your own bonfire, use these tips to ensure you’re doing it as safely as possible and reducing any risk to garden wildlife.
This month I’ll be at the Ideal Home Show Christmas on 23rd November, where I’ll be sharing some top plants that make Christmas magical. You can still get hold of tickets here.
In the meantime, to see more of the behind the scenes of my garden, take a look at my YouTube channel.
Gardening tip of the month
When planning your Bonfire Night celebrations, remember to keep your indoor animals and garden wildlife such as hedgehogs safe.
When building a bonfire, it’s best to build it on the day that you’re going to light it. As hedgehogs prefer to wander at night, this will save them and other creatures from settling in.
Before lighting, have a rummage around using a pole or broom and a torch. Thoroughly check the bottom two feet of the structure, which is where hedgehogs are most likely to be found.
Listen for a hissing sound, which is the noise that hedgehogs make when they are disturbed. Then, when lighting, do so from one side only to allow an escape route for anything missed.
In the event that hedgehogs are found, place them in a plastic or cardboard box with towels and newspaper. Place meaty cat or dog food and water in the box with them.
Prize Draw Results
Here are the winners from October:
OASE AquaActiv Pond Clean:
Jessica Powell
Paul Williams
Dale Dow
Madaline Collins
Suzanne Jackson
David Thompson
Congratulations! Look out for even more prize draws throughout November…
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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