Two Hour Gardening Project: Stage 12 – Autumn Crocus and Lawn Preparation

Continue cottage garden with meadow saffron—Colchicum autumnale (often misnamed autumn crocus). Crocus-like flowers August/September; huge leaves spring. Plant corm immediately or windowsill-force (no soil/water) then plant out for leaf growth. After earlier turfing, prepare ground for autumn lawn seeding.

Flower of the Fortnight: Colchicums

Most spectacular autumn flower. Easy to grow—surprising they're not in every garden. Not true crocuses (cousins to lilies). Fat corms produce succession of crocus-like flowers from bare ground in fall; large strap leaves follow in spring. Easiest: Colchicum autumnale; others have purple/white/double flowers.

Needs: 3 colchicum corms; 1 pkt compost activator. Time: 1 hour in 1 week.

Early September Weather/Soil

Autumn arrives with equinoctial gales, fiery leaves. Starry nights, heavy dews (air colder than soil). Good planting time—roots establish before soil cools.

Groundwork

1. Often hot/dry: water containers, marrows, tomatoes, pumpkins. Save water—use washing-up water on marrows/squashes/tomatoes (harmless, kills soil bugs).
2. Pinch marrows/squashes/tomato tips for compact growth and fruit formation.
3. Check for wallflower seedlings; mark with stakes for later moving.
4. Work peat into dahlia/chrysanthemum bed surface; soak first if very dry.
5. Learn friends/foes: dogs/cats not garden friends. British hedgehog = good friend. American praying mantis = voracious insect eater. Don't tame hedgehog—may emerge prematurely from hibernation and die. US: buy mantis egg cases to hatch in garden.