Page 36 - Phonebox Magazine October 2006

Plant of the Month Aster amellus ‘Veilchenkonigin’
Many gardeners have tried asters in their gardens, only to be disappointed when the entire plant develops powdery mildew during autumn – just when the flowers are opening it can be at its worst.
I have grown this cultivar, and it never succumbs to this disfiguring fungus, but adds rich, vibrant colour to the autumn border.
This is wonderfully reliable herbaceous perennial, with long-lasting violet flowers with yellow centres that makes the blue petals look more vibrant – the English translation of the name is Violet Queen. Reaching a height and spread of 50cm, it is a well behaved plant and does not need extra support. It does prefer well drained soil, and full sun but will tolerate a little shade.
Try growing it alongside rich pink Sedums, Anemones and Echinaceas for a lovely rich effect during this autumn. d
For more garden maintenance, advice, design, and planting ideas, visit www.applegategardens.co.uk
It’s not too late to save your lawn
Local gardeners have just seven weeks to save their lawns after the worst summer for gardens in 30 years, a local expert has warned.
Only a month ago the lawns were scorched and brown following July’s record temperatures. But as autumn approaches, the next two months are the perfect time to repair damaged turf and prevent your lawn going from bad to worse.
Local lawn specialists GreenThumb have put together a seven-point checklist of jobs to be done to improve the health of your your lawn and get it ready for next year.
Clare Phelan of GreenThumb, Milton Keynes, says: ‘Following recent rain our lawns now look green but thereís a lot of damage in the soil that could lead to problems unless theyíre tackled now.’
Here are Clare’s seven tips on how to turn your tattered turf into a luxurious lawn:
1. JULY’S scorching temperatures not only burned the grass but long spells without rain will also have compacted your soil. When the soil is compact, rain cannot penetrate into the grass roots, which starves the grass of nutrition leaving it with a weakened root system. It also means rain water will linger on the surface causing moss to grow in the grass. Best treatment for compacted soil is to use a hollow-tine aerator, which takes out plugs of soil, leaving small holes in the lawn that allow the root zone to breathe and release compaction. Surface water will also drain away more easily.
2. THE summer heat killed of fine grasses, known as fescue grass. That dead grass is still in your lawn. Unless it is removed, it will create thatch which also helps moss to grow. Thatch can be removed by scarifying the lawn with a rake or a special scarifying tool. This allows room for more new grass to come through.
3. YOUR lawn will need to be fed. Beware of over using a nitrogen-based feed, which will encourage growth in the grass blades. This time of year you need to apply a phosphorous and potassium fertilizer which will encourage root growth and make the grass more resistant to turf diseases and disorders.
4. KEEP mowing your lawn regularly until the grass stops growing. If the winter is mild the grass could keep growing until early December. Increase the height of your mower blade. Do not cut your grass any lower than an inch at this time of year.
5. CLEAR up fallen leaves regularly. Fallen leaves prevent sunlight reaching the grass. Being covered with leaves stops the plant producing chlorophyll, leaving the grass a pale yellow instead of green. Leaves also collect water and help moss grow.
6. LOOK out at this time of year for crane flies ñ daddy longlegs. There are lots of them about because last yearís winter weather did not kill off their larvae, known as leather jackets. It is during September that crane flies lay their eggs in lawns to wreak havoc next spring by destroying grass roots.
If you suspect your lawn has been infested, apply a pesticide in October when the eggs will have turned into grubs.
7. BALD or thin patches where children have played during the summer holidays should be re-seeded quickly before the ground temperature drops, otherwise you will have to wait until next spring.
If you need help or advice for your lawn you can contact Clare Phelan at GreenThumb on tel: 01327 810185 or 08000 111222. d
08000 111 222
40 Phonebox Magazine