I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze…..

​Yes, here we are in September already, there’s definitely a nip in the air and morning dew to remind us the gardening year is slowing down all too soon.
August by comparison was extremely busy for us with the opening of our own Secret Garden Shop here at the Old Nursery.



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​ We were overwhelmed with the number of visitors in our first week. Thanks to everyone who turned out in the pouring rain to come and see us, it’s always a pleasure to meet nice people in the village.
The positive comments and support is amazing, so we look forward to seeing you regularly.
The Secret Garden Shop is open Thursday – Sunday 10am to 6pm throughout September.
We will continue to search for products at great prices throughout the winter months, updates will be posted on the Burbage notice board.
September is an excellent time to be planting perennials and bulbs especially as the ground is nice and wet. By planting now, they will settle in nicely, meaning healthier and bigger plants next year.


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Ok, back to the serious stuff, apart from planting spring bulbs , what else could we be doing in the garden this month ?
Sow hardy annuals or scatter seeds from existing plants e.g. marigolds, poppies, love in the mist and cornflowers
Divide herbaceous perennials
Deadheading and feeding will prolong flowering of late summer/autumn plants
Give borders and baskets a boost by planting autumn colour



Harvest all the lovely fruits and vegetables regularly.
Stake or tie in climbers and young trees to protect from the wind
Clean out greenhouse, water butts, and burn any diseased plant material.
If you have any unwanted pots, gardening equipment /items /plants etc that other gardeners may find useful, please drop them off to us. All proceeds from donated items will help to support the village.
Cover ponds with netting to catch leaf fall, and install an escape route for wildlife.
Lay new turf or, show your lawn some TLC by aerating, fertilising and reseeding any bare patches.
Raise the height of the blades on your lawnmower as growth slows down.
Use pot feet to raise containers off the ground to avoid water logged pots.


Prepare a safe haven for wildlife to over winter. In a quiet corner of the garden, heap up leaves and branches for beetles, frogs and our beloved hedgehogs.
Make or buy a hedgehog house ready for hibernation in October/November.
Leave out some meaty cat food to help fatten them up before the big sleep.

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Have a great month everyone, take care of yourselves

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