September is a busy time of year in the garden, with some jobs that are of benefit now, and other jobs that require one eye on the coming spring.

It’s a great time of year to start hedge cutting, as the last of this year’s chicks will have fledged their nests. Garden hedges will always benefit from being wider at the bottom than at the top, so it is a good idea to trim them at a slight angle which gradually tapers out at the base. This method allows sunlight to reach the lower parts of the hedge and will prevent it looking thin and unhealthy.

Great benefits for hibernating species

If it is practical, instead of binning or burning your hedge cuttings you may want to consider creating a little wildlife habitat by leaving the debris in a pile that will be of great benefit to hibernating insects, hedgehogs and toads. It will also be a great place for low-nesting birds like blackbirds, robins and sparrows to make their nests in the new year.

If you have any areas of lawn to renew or repair, September is an ideal time to lay turf or sow grass seed. For areas that have become worn and damaged, simply rake over the ground and remove any moss or old grass that comes up and then sprinkle on the seed. It should have sufficient rain, but don’t let it dry out – water as necessary, don’t tread on it or cut it for a month or so, and next year it will be all good.

It is the time of year when the garden may be looking like it needs a bit of a tidy-up. While you may be tempted to be very thorough when cutting and clearing any old plant growth, try to leave some plants with seed heads, like sunflowers and teasel, standing for the birds to feast on.

Something to look forward to in the new year

A lovely job that requires your attention now, but for which the reward won’t be until next spring, is planting bulbs. No matter the size of your garden, putting bulbs in now ensures you have something to look forward to in the new year. They also do really well in pots, so if ground space is limited or you would prefer the floral displays brought closer to the house on patios or paths, planting bulbs is a must.

Many bulbs are of great benefit to early emerging bees too, and choosing varieties such as winter aconite, snowdrop, crocus, muscari, daffodil and allium will ensure your garden is a vital pitstop for those bees waking after hibernation, right up until early summer.