The grasses are in flower and will hold their seed heads well into winter. Some Penstemons, Salvias, Dahlias and Anemone are holding on, but it is the autumn leaves that are stealing the show in many gardens right now.

Take the time to go for a walk or a drive and enjoy the colours that our New England region does so well.

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If you have tree dahlias (Dahlia imperialis), hopefully they have had a chance to flower before the first frosts, in colours of lavender, pink or double white. Tree dahlias prefer a frost-free climate but can be grown in our region if planted in a sheltered, sunny spot. This year, the tree dahlias have had plenty of rain to help them along and are up to 6 metres tall - that's a lot of growth in about 6 months! After they have finished flowering, cut the canes off at the base just above the big bulb which will shoot again next spring.

To propagate, simply cut an old cane into 50cm lengths so you have at least 2 nodes per length, and lie the stem horizontally in a trench about 10 cm deep. They will root and shoot from the nodes on the stem.

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Try to keep weeding regularly and use the slower growth that comes with the cooler weather to get on top of any weeds.

Cut back the old leaves of hellebores to promote and show up fresh growth later in winter.

Consider Hippeastrums as houseplants in winter. Pot up and water now, then put in a warm place such as on top of the water heater or over a radiator to get them going. Check them regularly as they can grow so fast, they are a metre, or more, tall before you know it.

Prune pelargoniums (technically pelargoniums but many call them geraniums) back by about a third, at a growing point and ensure they are protected over winter. Use the prunings for cuttings and find a protected place to keep the cuttings while they establish.

The Armidale Garden Club's next meeting is on Thursday, May 27 at the Uniting Church Youth Club Hall from 7 pm. Everyone is welcome.

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