Last of the Summer Vine
As we move into September, the garden begins its gentle transition to autumn. Yet, there's still so much beauty to enjoy. The autumn flowering cyclamen and crocus create pink, white, and purple carpets, bringing life to the fading greenery. The sweet, candy-floss scent of the Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura tree) fills the air, signalling the seasonal change. Now is the perfect time to order bulbs for the months ahead—paperwhites for Christmas and tulips for spring—and to plan next year's cut flowers and annuals. Dahlias steal the show this month in the garden, joined by the vibrant blooms of chrysanthemums, achillea, asters, helichrysum, and gaura.
September Rituals
Garden Maintenance
September is all about preparation and care. Mowing continues, but take care to avoid disturbing autumn flowering bulbs. Soon, the leaf-picking season will begin, offering an excellent opportunity to create leaf mould for the compost heap. Weeding is a crucial task this month, particularly in the iris border and across other areas of the garden. At the same time, hedge-cutting gets underway in earnest. Strawflowers (Helichrysum bracteatum) and gomphrena flowers are ready to be dried, and ornamental gourds can be picked and stored for a Halloween display in late October. Don't forget to keep up with watering and mulching, ensuring the garden stays healthy through the changing season.
September Table
Our Gardens Bountiful Harvest
September brings a satisfying harvest of onions, shallots, kale, and more. Purple sprouting broccoli is growing well, and the first butternut squashes are ready to be picked. Tidying up spent vegetable plants is always rewarding, although watch out for the frogs who may have made your garden their home.
Recipe Idea: Autumnal Butternut Squash Soup
Roast a butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until golden. In a pot, add sauté onions and garlic, roasted squash, kale, and vegetable stock. Simmer until everything is tender. Blend until smooth, then season with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg. Serve with crusty bread for a warming, seasonal dish perfect for cooler September evenings.
September Product Highlight
The Humble Apron, Upgraded
Our Unisex Garden Apron is not just clothing; it's your ultimate garden companion. Made from durable organic canvas twill, it features deep pockets for tools, a dedicated secateur pocket, and even a utility button for your bandana. Inspired by Japanese craftsmanship, its split-leg design provides flexibility and ease of movement while working. Whether you tie it in the front or the back, this apron is designed for style and function, making daily gardening tasks more accessible than ever. Every gardener should have one.
