September signals the beginning of autumn and is a key month at Cambo with our late season emphasis. Much of the herbaceous planting is reaching maturity and there is still plenty of colour in the gardens. As the season progresses foliage and form will play a more dominant role. Fruit harvesting starts in earnest this month with plums, followed by apples and pears.
Potting Shed (1)
In the woodland edge planting opposite the potting shed colchicums are emerging from a carpet of Ajuga. (It is a good idea to use low groundcover plants to mark the position of bulbs to prevent digging them up when they are dormant.) In the woodland leading down to the pond is our main collection of colchicums (otherwise known as autumn crocuses or even ‘Naked Ladies’!) We are constantly extending the range and have over 25 varieties. The delightful miniature Cyclamen are also scattered around the woodland garden.
The Calendar Bed (2)
The steppe planting was designed last autumn and is still filling out. Mostly grown from seed, it is a diffused natural planting in a pastel colour range. Late season interest is supplied by the large sandy-coloured grass, Stipa calamagrostis, various asters and the small purple Sedum ‘Purple Emperor’. This long season border has a focus in July-August.
Steppe Planting (3)
Although well past its peak in June-July, interest is maintained with grasses and persistent seedheads. This planting brings together plants from drier habitats. Key grasses are: Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ with its upright green leaves providing rhythm through the border; the small curved flower spikes of Pennisetum orientale along the front; the lush large grass Miscanthus Transmorrisonensis at the back.
The Annuals (4)
After a beleaguered start this summer, the annuals are finally getting under way. We have introduced a different range of plants this year, putting emphasis on cool pastel colours. Pink cosmos drifts through the border contrasting with the blue spikes of Salvia Farinacea ‘Strata’ and Agastache. Verbena bonariensis provides the upright transparent element.
Traditional Border (5)
This border has a final flush of flowers this month, with pink and white Japanese anemones. Look under the apple tree for the orchidlike flowers of Trycyrtis formosana and note the reddish flowerspikes of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Malepartus’ and the red spikes of Persicaria amplexicaule ‘Firetail’.
Cut Flower Area (6)
The fine low grass that catches the wind is Stipa tenuissima, the warm coloured daisies with the black centres are Helenium autumnale cultivars and the large purplish heads of Eupatorium purpureum bounce around the perimeter of the planting.
Early Flowering Area (7)
The mingled style of this area is suitable for smaller gardens. The large pink and white daisies of Echinacea purpurea and the purple foliage of Aster ‘Lady in Black’, together with the grasses, help to lift this area into the autumn. The temporary standing bed will be picked apart and redesigned during this month and next, completing this area for the moment.
Naturalistic Potager (8)
The naturalistic potager (ornamental vegetable garden) is at its best this month. This year we increased the amount of red and purple. It consists of 2500 perennials, vegetables, tender perennials and bulbs and is redesigned annually.
Double Prairie Borders (9)
The double prairie borders still look good this month with the grasses in full flower. The upright tall grass is Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ and there are various Miscanthus sinensis cultivars. Most of the flowering interest comes from the pink, red and white spikes of Persicaria amplexicaule, the large purple heads of Eupatorium purpureum and the pinkish heads of Sedum ‘Herbstfreude’ and ‘Matrone’ These borders are interpretations of a prairie without attempting to be too accurate – a natural prairie consists of up to 90% grasses.
Potager Entrance Beds (10)
These were designed this year to provide a foreground for the potager and help unify it with adjacent areas.
GARDENING TIPS FOR SEPTEMBER:
Early in the month take cuttings of tender perennials. Towards the middle start to move herbaceous perennials. Evaluate your annuals for ideas for next year.
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