Pruning These 11 Plants in September Can Encourage Late-Autumn Blossoms
In the heart of autumn, Kayleigh Dray, a renowned gardening enthusiast and media professional, shares valuable insights on extending the blooming season and creating a thriving habitat for wildlife. With a career spanning Ideal Home, Woman & Home, Homes & Gardens, and Stylist magazine, Kayleigh's passion for wildlife-friendly gardening shines through in her recent projects.
Kayleigh's garden, designed around a majestic magnolia tree, is a haven for pollinators. Filled with an array of blooms, homemade bird feeders, and logs for insects to nest in, it's a testament to her commitment to creating a garden that benefits both plants and wildlife.
One of the key practices Kayleigh advocates for is deadheading, a simple yet effective method to encourage new blooms and extend the flowering period. Deadheading involves removing spent flowers, which not only keeps plants compact and colorful but also prevents diseases such as mildew in plants like Phlox (Phlox paniculata).
Summer bedding plants like Viola, Calendula, and Asters respond well to deadheading, keeping them vibrant and blooming through fall. Similarly, Dahlias, Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea), and Salvias benefit from regular deadheading, resulting in extra flowers and improved plant health. Even autumn roses can be coaxed into a final, fragrant flush before the frosts settle in by deadheading in September.
For those seeking the perfect tools for deadheading, Kayleigh recommends Amazon's Felco F2 Pruners and the 3-Pack Stainless Steel Pruning Snips. These tools are designed for precision and durability, making them ideal for gardeners.
Kayleigh's recent project saw her building a mini pond in her garden, providing a habitat for frogs and other wildlife. This addition to her garden further demonstrates her dedication to wildlife-friendly gardening.
Asters, known for their daisy-like flowers, should have their faded blooms pinched or cut away to encourage new ones and extend the pollinator party well into autumn. Deadheading butterfly bush can also continue to produce nectar-rich blooms for butterflies, making it a must-do for any gardener aiming to support these vital creatures.
Hardy Geraniums, when deadheaded in September, encourage a fresh carpet of color before winter. Spirea, too, responds well to an autumnal tidy-up and can produce pink blooms right through to the first chill.
By embracing deadheading and wildlife-friendly practices, gardeners can enjoy a vibrant and thriving garden throughout the autumn months. Kayleigh's advice serves as a valuable guide for gardeners looking to extend their blooming season and create a garden that benefits both plants and wildlife.
