Stately home gardener reveals the simple September jobs that can keep flowers blooming until the first frost
Gardeners shouldn’t give up on their flowers just because summer is coming to an end, according to a senior gardener at one of the UK’s most impressive stately homes.
Noah Mabey, Senior Gardener at Thornbridge Hall and Horticultural Advisor to Platinum Spas Hot Tubs, says a few simple jobs throughout September can help borders, pots and hanging baskets continue producing colour until the first frost.
Noah said September is often wrongly viewed as the end of the gardening season.
“September is a really interesting month in the garden because we’re starting to transition from summer into autumn, but the gardening season is far from over,” Noah explains.
“There’s still plenty of colour to enjoy, and with a little maintenance, you can keep many plants flowering right up until the first frost.”
1. Don’t stop deadheading
One of the easiest ways to extend the flowering season is to keep removing spent blooms. As flowers begin to die, many plants naturally turn their attention towards producing seeds. Regular deadheading encourages them to continue producing flowers instead.
Noah says, “Don’t stop deadheading just because summer is coming to an end. Many plants will continue producing flowers right up until the first frost if you keep removing the spent blooms.”
“Keep an eye on borders, pots and hanging baskets, removing faded flowers regularly throughout September.”
2. Keep feeding pots and annuals
Noah says, “It’s easy to stop feeding plants once autumn approaches, but annuals and container plants can still benefit from a little extra support while they’re actively flowering.”
“Keep feeding pots and annuals to give them a boost while they’re still actively growing. This can help plants continue putting energy into flowers rather than fading prematurely as the seasons begin to change.”
3. Learn how to deadhead dahlias properly
September is often when dahlias put on one of their most spectacular displays of the year. Noah says “Gardeners should take care when deadheading, as it’s easy to mistake a new flower bud for a spent bloom.”
“Dahlias really come into their own during September and can put on one of their best displays of the entire year.”
Noah’s also shares his quick dahlia trick: “Look closely at the shape. Spent flowers tend to be more pointed, while new buds are rounder. Removing the wrong bud could mean accidentally cutting off your next flower before it has the chance to bloom.”
4. Choose carefully which flowers to let go to seed
While regular deadheading is important for extending displays, Noah says gardeners don’t necessarily need to remove every spent flower.
“Leaving a few healthy blooms to develop seed heads gives you the opportunity to collect seeds and grow more plants next year.”
“If you’re happy for a plant to finish flowering, leave some of the blooms to develop seed heads. Once the seeds are mature, you can collect and store them ready to sow next year.”
“It’s a simple way to make the most of your favourite plants while also planning ahead for next season.”
5. Replace tired bedding plants later in the month
Noah says, “Towards the end of this month, I’d recommend replacing tired displays with seasonal favourites such as pansies, wallflowers and forget-me-nots, as this can provide some colour in your garden throughout autumn and winter.”
“The temperatures are often still warm enough for roots to establish before the cold winter weather sets in.”
Don’t write your garden off for the year just yet
September may signal the beginning of autumn, but it doesn’t mean the end of colour in the garden.
Noah says, “with regular deadheading, continued feeding and a little attention to late-season favourites such as dahlias, gardeners could enjoy colourful borders for several more weeks.”
“September is all about finding the balance between enjoying the last of the summer garden and getting ahead for next year. Don’t be too quick to write off your flowers for the year!”
