With the beginning of autumn there comes a quite definite change in the tempo of plant growth. As plants reached their peak in early and mid-summer, they ceased to develop and remained static but the often fresher, cooler weather of autumn seems to induce a kind of second spring. It is for this reason that most bulbs are planted now, annual and other kinds of seed are sown and herbaceous perennials planted or transplanted.

It is almost as though the sap starts to rise again and plants which flowered in late spring and summer often flower again now. Biennials which have been ticking over suddenly start to bush out and become leafy. Chrysanthemums and dahlias come into their full glory, and on established lawns the grass grows with renewed vigour. Even the birds revive and begin a minor dawn chorus again, to say nothing of their daytime chattering.

The more and earlier that you can take advantage of this regeneration, the stronger and better established your plants will be by the time winter arrives, so early autumn will be a busy season. In fact, there will be a good deal of work until the end of early winter, but it can be a particularly good time for garden work, with the soil in good condition and the weather mild. Lastly, there will be none of the great rush that occurs in spring when the sudden changes in the weather alone are enough to disturb the average gardener’s blood pressure.

The grass will need a good deal of attention now, whether it is established lawn or a new one started from seed. The greenhouse can be cleared up after the spring and summer displays and made ready for the winter flowering plants,and weeds will also need more attention as they join the general regrowth pattern.