In their latest column, Nuala Doherty and Conall O’Caoimh tell us about collecting seeds from our gardens, growing the spectacular autumn Abutilon and going native with hart’s tongue fern.
Our native Irish hart’s tongue fern, Asplenium scolopendrium, may not bear flowers but its evergreen, glossy lushness can be used to great effect in the garden. It is tolerant of a broad range of conditions, from sun to deep shade, and can be grown in the ground, in pots or on walls. We use it to fill the gap at the base of a hedge.
The strap-like fronds range from 20 cm to 40 cm long. We cut back the old foliage in February, so the coiled, young fronds can be enjoyed as they unfurl. Be sure to look on the underside to admire the distinctive spore patterns on the fronds.
If you want more plants, don’t go digging them from the woods, just lift and divide the rhizome in winter, ensuring that divisions keep their share of the strong, thread-like roots.
Top tips
The best time to plant daffodil bulbs is during September. there are varieties tpo flower over the six months of December, when Narcissus ‘Paperwhite’ flowers, through to Maywhen N. ‘Thalia’ carries the baton.
Collecting seed from your own garden is satisfying, sustainable and money saving. If you are starting out, try collecting seeds from annuals and biennials.
Composting does not have to stop in autumn. Either cover or expose the compose heap, as necessary, to ensure it is damp but not soggy. Turning will heat it up and speed the process.
Keep and eye on temperatures. Any houseplants, succulents and cacti placed outdoors for summer should be brought in before the first frosts.
September is the perfect time to join a garden club. Most have talks through the winter and many have an autumn plant sale. Most garden clubs advertise their events in every issue of The Irish Garden Magazine.
For the full article and lots more on salvias and checks for your garden read Nuala and Conall’s column in our Late Summer Issue, or subscribe now.
