Be prepared for coming frosts

The long dry period in June and July proved that some plants are better than others at tolerating dry soils and hot sun.

Cone flowers (Echinacea) and rudbeckia came through with flying colours. They now have a recently increased colour range that, with fresh breeding, includes oranges and yellow shades as well as the more unusual white. If you are replanting a hot, dry border, look out for yellow 'Sunrise' and orange 'Sunset'.

Helenium, sedum and asters (often called michaelmas daisies) will also be giving a last display. Many of these autumn flowering plants are susceptible to powdery mildew attack, especially when the soil is dry, and should be sprayed at the first signs of the white deposit.

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Perennial autumn anemones, often called Japanese anemones, make a great display at this time of the year in white or magenta pink blooms. They, too, are tolerant of dryish soils and can tolerate a fair amount

of shade.

It's time to clear out summer bedding plants as they finish flowering or when the first frosts turn leaves black. Place all annual flower plants on to the compost heap and dig out as many weeds as possible.

As most people found last winter, dahlia tubers do not survive harsh winters and need to be lifted and stored in a frost-free shed or garage. Dig up the tubers and knock off as much soil as possible with a blunt stick. Cut back the stem to leave just 15cm (6in) and turn this upside down so that all moisture drains from the hollow stem. Leave in an airy place for a fortnight to allow the tubers to dry off completely before dusting with sulphur powder and wrapping individually in newspaper. Place in a cardboard box in a frost-free position. Gladioli and begonia corms should be treated in the same way.

If you have a sheltered conservatory or a well-lit porch, you could pot up tender fuchsias in a protected frost-free position.

When the beds are clear, dig in well-rotted organic matter or use something like Levington Soil Conditioner or Miracle-Gro Soil Improver.

YP MAG 23/10/10

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