LANDSCAPING : The ascending Waxing Gibbous moon, so close to Full, gives ornamental plantings a real boost today — sap is rising and flowers are responding. Divide and replant clumps of Michaelmas daisies (Aster amellus, A. novi-belgii) now, spacing divisions 40–50 cm apart in well-loosened soil enriched with a handful of compost; this rejuvenates tired clumps and multiplies colour for next autumn / Set out pot-grown wallflowers (Erysimum cheiri ‘Blood Red’, ‘Primrose’) into prepared beds, 25–30 cm apart, firming the roots in gently — they’ll overwinter and burst into scent come spring / Plant spring-flowering bulbs: tulips (Tulipa ‘Queen of Night’, ‘Apeldoorn’) at 15 cm depth, 12 cm apart, and grape hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) at 8 cm depth in bold drifts of 20 or more for real impact / In Mediterranean gardens or sheltered spots, this is a good moment to establish hardy geraniums (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, G. sanguineum) that will knit ground cover before winter sets in.
VEGETABLE PATCH : A flower-day energy needn’t stop you from tending the kitchen garden — think brassica flowers and aromatic herbs that straddle both worlds. Sow rocket (Eruca sativa) and land cress (Barbarea verna) under a cold frame or cloche, broadcasting seed thinly over raked soil, then cover with a fine layer of compost no deeper than 5 mm / Transplant overwintering cauliflower (Brassica oleracea ‘Aalsmeer’, ‘Mayflower’) seedlings raised under glass, spacing them 60 cm each way and watering in with a full 1-litre measure per plant to settle roots / Pinch out the growing tips of outdoor sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) still in flower to redirect energy into seed pods if you’re saving seed, or compost the whole plant and free up the support for autumn clearing / On heavier soils, work in a 5 cm layer of leaf mould around brassica stems now to improve structure and retain warmth as nights cool.
INDOORS : Autumn light is softening — a gentle nudge to check on tender plants brought inside. Pot up rooted cuttings of pelargoniums (Pelargonium ‘Lord Bute’, ‘Attar of Roses’) taken in late summer into 10 cm pots of gritty compost; keep them on a bright windowsill at 8–12 °C to encourage compact, sturdy growth over winter / Move potted fuchsias (Fuchsia ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’, ‘Thalia’) to a frost-free greenhouse or cool conservatory; reduce watering to once every ten days and stop feeding entirely until spring / Check stored dahlia tubers and gladiolus corms from last year — dust any soft spots with sulphur powder and ensure they’re sitting in dry vermiculite or newspaper in a cool, dark spot around 5–7 °C.