A Small Patio Diary: Goodbye Summer

Hello October, I’m unsure how we’re here already. I thought, as a newbie gardener, I’d be sad when summer ended but I’ve found peace in the early mornings, seeing the petal-laden ground wet with dew. It’s also nice to be able to sit down for a breather and start planning for next year.

Having said that, I had no idea how many gardening jobs there are to do at this time of year. This tiny space of ours has given me so much joy though so I reckon I owe it the care and attention over the coming months to ensure the plants that should survive the frost, actually do.

The wonderful folks at Norma &Dorothy kindly gifted me some personalised products to help with my new hobby, including this gardening journal and geometric floral seed box*. Aren’t they beautiful? I’ve been scribbling away in my new book and I can’t wait to start sketching my ideas for the second patio, the next big project for Spring 2020. Do check them out if you’re looking for handmade personalised gifts. They’re made in neighbouring Manchester too.

My August and September Garden Notes

Water greenhouse plants in the morning, giving them enough time to dry out and not be too damp overnight.

Keep the greenhouse clean to provide as much light as possible to the plants.

Take cuttings from your favourite plants and include perlite for drainage within your soil mix.

Harvest sunflower seeds and save for planting in spring. Now saved in my new seed box!

Dry your herbs indoors. I’ve dried mint and sage so far in our kitchen, both a success!

Encourage the ripening of end of season fruits by pinching out new growth

Make a posy from the garden for your home

Devide perennials plants to create more for the coming years

Tidy away compost and garden tools to keep small spaces in order!