Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Issue 68
Issue 68 of the award-winning Whitchurch and Llandaff Living magazine.
Issue 68 of the award-winning Whitchurch and Llandaff Living magazine.
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The Autumn<br />
Autumn<br />
Garden<br />
is a time for<br />
clearing away the<br />
summer <strong>and</strong> preparing<br />
for a new year ahead.<br />
Here's an autumn<br />
checklist for the<br />
busy gardener<br />
Prepare your<br />
garden for frosts<br />
Preparing a garden for frost<br />
is crucial to protect delicate<br />
plants from the harsh, cold<br />
temperatures. To shield your<br />
garden from frost's icy grip,<br />
identify the expected frost date<br />
in your area.<br />
Prior to the frost, trim any dead<br />
or weak branches to reduce<br />
the plant's vulnerability. Cover<br />
sensitive plants with frost cloths,<br />
old bedsheets, or even plastic<br />
sheeting to create a barrier<br />
against the cold. Additionally,<br />
apply a layer of mulch to<br />
insulate the soil <strong>and</strong> retain heat.<br />
Watering your garden before<br />
the frost can help raise the<br />
soil temperature <strong>and</strong> reduce<br />
damage.<br />
38<br />
Clean up leaves<br />
Raking up the leaves helps<br />
maintain the garden's overall<br />
health by preventing the leaves<br />
from suffocating the grass <strong>and</strong><br />
plants underneath, allowing<br />
them to receive sunlight <strong>and</strong> air.<br />
Additionally, leaf removal can<br />
reduce the risk of mould <strong>and</strong><br />
disease that thrive in damp,<br />
decaying foliage. Lastly, a tidy<br />
garden enhances its aesthetic<br />
appeal <strong>and</strong> safety, minimizing<br />
slip hazards <strong>and</strong> creating a more<br />
inviting outdoor space.<br />
Sow a new lawn<br />
Sowing a new lawn in autumn<br />
offers several advantages.<br />
The cooler temperatures <strong>and</strong><br />
consistent moisture create<br />
optimal conditions for seed<br />
germination.<br />
Begin by preparing the soil<br />
through tilling <strong>and</strong> adding<br />
compost. Select grass seed<br />
suitable for your region's climate.<br />
Broadcast the seed evenly <strong>and</strong><br />
lightly rake the soil surface.<br />
Water thoroughly, keeping the<br />
soil consistently moist.<br />
The grass will establish strong<br />
roots during the autumn,<br />
providing a lush, healthy lawn in<br />
the following spring.