November Gardening Guide

The idea suddenly hit me, whilst carrying out the usual errands that a Saturday often brings, that I desperately needed to create an autumn wreath. And that was it, there was nothing else I could think of more important than bringing to life the creation I had in my mind. This is usually how my at-home-diy’s go; I get a random idea in my head and then it’s all I can think of until I’ve created it. This particular Saturday, I had incredible luck as I remembered I had all the equipment at home required to create such a wreath.

I may describe this as luck, when in actual fact it’s simply a case of perpetual diy-ing. I’ve recently come to realise I would be best described as a serial hobbyist. Every now and then I’ll pick up a new project, buy all the kit, become completely obsessed and then swiftly move on once said project is finished (leaving me with all the kit and materials for the hobby tucked away in a drawer JUST in case I pick it up again in the distant future).

Over the years I’ve tried knitting, pottery, embroidery, stained glass, and so many more to name a few. The half knitted blanket in my cupboard would likely be considered vintage at this point and the most recently foiled stained glass piece is waiting very patiently for me to simply solder her so she can hang in pride of place in my house but I digress…

Once I returned home, I swiftly dug out the wreath base and wire from my stash and trotted out into the garden to see what I could find to create a suitably autumnal wreath. I had a bunch of dried grass a friend had given me, that had been grown in their garden and harvested when the ornamental grasses had needed a trim. Whilst not really having a plan, I began adding the grass, deciding to keep the wreath simple with said grass being the statement element.

Dried statice from my garden

In my garden cabin, I’d also got some statice hung drying that I’d harvested from my allotment, having started the plants from seed this spring. I’ve been pleased with the statice in my drying experiments and the apricot colours have faded beautifully holding slightly different shades complimenting one another to give some depth. If you’re looking to start drying flowers for your own arrangements, statice is definitely one to try out.

After having spent a solidly focused 45 minutes, my obsession suitably satisfied with a completed wreath to hang. What do you reckon?

Dried flower autumnal wreath

You’ll be pleased to hear that my next hobby (obsession) is already in full swing with my second sewing lesson booked for this coming week. When you see me in the run up to Christmas wearing various wonky dresses, please be rest assured I’ll be over clothes making soon enough and onto my next hobby (your ideas for weird and wonderful hobbies are most welcome).

I may jump from one hobby to another, however gardening is the one that’s never gone away. Don’t get me wrong, I have ‘breaks’ from gardening even now and then. I can often go weeks without actively doing any ‘gardening’ in my own outdoor space and my garden survives just fine.

There’s often a misconception with gardens that they always require loads of work but you really can choose how high or low maintenance you want your space to be. When I yabber on about mulching and choosing the right plants for your space, believe me when I say it’s rooted in my own habits for wanting to enjoy my garden rather than working on it all the time. Gardening a lovely pastime and I find it hugely interesting as well as relaxing, but I also thoroughly enjoy sitting in a comfy seat, reading a book, cat on my knee, sipping a coffee whilst surrounded by birdsong so my garden maintenance schedule has to comply.

Despite this, we all know that a ‘low maintenance’ garden is never quite a ‘no maintenance’ garden so here are a few things you can be getting up to in the garden in the coming weeks…

Get those bulbs in

I’d held off on the bulb purchase this year as I don’t really ‘need’ any.  However I did pick up some Crocus ‘Jeanne d’arc’ bulbs from Farmer Gracy who have 30% off their stock now. Early flowering bulbs such as crocus need to be planted as soon as possible, while the later flowering alliums and tulips can be held off a little while longer. It’s definitely worth checking out sales either in your local stores or online as stockists are reducing prices to get rid of their remaining bulbs so you can grab yourself a bargain.

Get ready to harvest parsnips

A heavy frost will intensify the flavour of parsnips so it’s worth waiting until we get our first proper frost to harvest. If you do have parsnips to harvest, please know that I’ll be very jealous of your home grown crop as I didn’t plant any this year and very much regretting my lifes choices!

Watch out for hogs

Be mindful to watch out for hedgehogs when you’re in your garden over the coming months. If you see a spot of leaves/shrubbery/fallen twigs and such that look like there’s been some comings and goings of little hedgehog feet it’s a good idea to hold off any winter tidying you might fancy doing. Just in case.

Move sensitive plants in pots to a sheltered spot

If you have any borderline hardy potted shrubs or plants, it’s a good idea to move them to a sheltered spot such as next to your house or in a corner near fences etc. if you haven’t got any under cover space. After long frosts in recent years we’ve observed that plants such as hebes and pittosporum can succumb to really harsh weather so giving them a bit of protection if possible is a good shout.

Clean your bird tables

If you have bird feeders or bird tables, it’s important that you keep them clean. Bacteria can build up on residual food left out and there’s a potential for illness to be spread amongst your local birds if their feeding spaces are only topped up. Scraping off any compacted debris and giving the table a good scrub over with non-toxic disinfectant before rinsing with clean water and leaving to dry. Once the feeder/table is completely dry, pop your garden birds’ favourite food out to keep them happy.

As always, make sure you take some time this month to enjoy your garden space, whatever stage it may be in and please let me know any hobbies you’ve tried and loved! You can either message me on Instagram @laura.kendallsmith.gardens or email me at studio@laurakendallsmith.com – I’m dying to hear your hobby stories!