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Salvias are beautiful but why don’t we grow more of them? Overwintering is the main worry as salvias tend to hate our cold and wet British winters but, fear not, there are still ways to grow them! Find a sunny and dry area in your garden - these places can be near trees or in the shadow of a wall or house where the soil is less affected by rain and remains drier. These tiny micro climates are unique to individual gardens so go hunting for them as they can be ideal.

If you can’t find any so-called ‘microclimates’ then pots are the way forward. Ensure the drainage is good and site the pots in full sun and use a soil based compost with added grit. In winter, move the pots to a drier part of the garden – for example, against the lee of a wall. These simple tips can ensure that most gardens can also enjoy fabulous salvias.

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Great Comp Garden
Comp Lane
Platt
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN15 8QS
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01732 885094
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The gardens at Great Comp look fantastic at the moment with the salvias in full bloom. They can be visited at any time from the 1st April to 31s October and in autumn, ornamental grasses and autumn colours end the year with a fabulous and dramatic display. The garden is 7 acres and has a lovely quirky feel with some beautiful and rare plants surrounding the 17th century manor house.Ìý

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Shrub roses will often be covered in long leggy shoots at this time of year. If left these can catch the wind over the winter and cause damage to the plant. Lightly trim the plant to give an even shape, taking no more than a third of the growth off the plant.

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Due to the mild and dry September weather we are having, some vegetable plants need to be watered. Focus especially on celery, celeriac and young lettuce plants. These plants have a high water content and are growing fast right now, so a good soaking combined with this warm weather will ensure your crop will flourish.Ìý

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Take strong growing shoots without flower buds, between 2 and 4 inches long and quickly place in a plastic bag as this reduces the loss of water from the cutting and helps keep it fresh. Remove all but a couple of leaves from the cutting and make a clean sharp cut below a leaf node at the base, place into a plastic pot filled with free draining compost. Water thoroughly and place somewhere bright and frost free - a greenhouse or a windowsill is ideal. Keep the compost moist but not soggy and try to keep the foliage dry because pelargonium cuttings can rot if too wet.

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