Now's the time to create a good lawn for next year!

Everyone's lawn is looking a little worse for wear after our long, wet summer. Weeds, wild grass and moss have taken hold – and now is the time to take action. Autumn feed is far more important than any spring treatment for your lawn. Most people don't realise this and grass quality gets very poor during the winter season. It makes sense to give your lawn a tonic going into a harsh, wet season. The frost and wetness won't have such a negative effect. A pick-me-up in October/Novemeber will revitalise and strengthen your lawn.

What to do:

1. If moss and weeds are a problem, this should be treated at this time of year. Weedol have a weedkiller which is very effective at this time of year.

2. Apply Westland Autumn Lawn feed now. Use a spreader, and remember it's important to know the size of your lawn: pace it out lengthways and across, each stride being approx 1 metre. So 10x12m means you have 120m squared to cover. Westland is a slow release lawn feed and will be of great benefit to your grass.

3. Spike the lawn and scatter horticultural grit over it. You can brush it if you want.

4. Make sure not to cut your lawn too low as this will weaken grass and encourage moss.

5. Ultra-Lawn is a superb liquid lawn tonic that you can give your lawn at this time. So easy to use, you simply attach your hose to the bottle and walk the area you want treated. This tonic is based on seaweed and gets a very strong root system going in your grass.

6. Clean your lawnmower and get it serviced before you put it away. You should also sharpen the blades to have it ready to go.

Autumn colouring has been spectacular!

This has been a wonderful autumn and the colour of the trees reflects this. Gardens look splendid at the moment, with shades of orange, reds and yellows. Did you know: the autumn colouring on trees is always better when we have a dry September and October. If your garden is lacking autumnal hues, here are my top ten trees for spectacular colour:

1. Japanese maples  2. Scarlet oaks  3. Beech  4. Mountain Ash  5. Spindle Tree  6. Liquidambar     7. Liriodendron  8. Sugar maple  9. Rhus Typhinia  10. Ginko

*Free talks & demos continue Monday, Wednesday & Friday throughout November at Griffins! 12pm*

*Don't forget November is the right time to plant your tulips!*

We would love to hear your feedback! Any comments or questions on our new gardening column? Contact Margaret Griffin at info@griffinsgardencentre.ie, 021-7334286 or find us on facebook!