We love Autumn at Powerscourt, mostly for the wonderful colours that it provides us with! The landscape is draped in a curtain of yellows, oranges, browns and deep hues of burgundy! Thankfully the rain made a welcome return to County Wicklow as the water tables were starting to dissipate somewhat, but at least the temperatures have remained mild.
Autumn is also celebrated as harvest time in many cultures, a celebration of the fruits of our labour and now it's time to reap the rewards. Some wonderful produce to look forward to this October are Apples, Cabbage, Kale - great for colcannon, Pumpkins, Truffles and Wild Mushrooms.
There is also plenty to be done in the garden at autumn time! Here is a list of gardening jobs for the month of October:
PlantingTime to plant Amaryllis, 'Paper White' Narcissus and prepared Hyacinths for a glorious scented display in December, just in time for Christmas. Plant these bulbs indoors only as they are frost sensitive.
Harvesting
Harvest squash, gourds and pumpkins now before the first frost. They will turn mushy if left outside in the cold and wet. These vegetables are ideal for decorating at Halloween particularly gourds with their many shapes, colours and contortions!
Plant care
Bring any house plants, that have spent the summer outside, for example citrus fruits before the first frost. Allow a frost before lifting Dahlias and Cannas. Lift and divide overcrowded herbaceous perennials and don't forget to start your Sweetpea for next year.
Happy Gardening from everyone at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion :)
