No. 133: The warm hues

Like it or not (I enjoy it), the colder autumn is approaching step by step. I'm already seeing beautiful autumn colours appear here and there; the first tree to change is usually the Sweetgum (Liquidambar). On dry days, you can still enjoy working in the garden (wearing that sweater again for the first time).

For example, plant your autumn-flowering bulbs while you still can. More about this group of bulbs later in this newsletter.

You can also extensively plant spring-flowering bulbs; our assortment is still optimal!

All hardy Alliums (edible onions, garlic, etc.) can now be planted; they were already introduced to you in the previous newsletter.

Furthermore, autumn is an excellent time for pruning, with stone fruits and early spring bloomers being important exceptions. In the coming days, I will give my plants organic fertilizer because it takes longer for the nutrient salts to become available to the plant: Worm castings are a good base; I usually add Guano and fill the gaps with Organic Garden Soil, which also functions as compost.

Finally: your houseplants that have been outdoors during the summer now need to be brought inside (I have a tropical Leaf Begonia and a Monstera - Swiss cheese plant - outdoors) or make sure you have protective material at hand. My Cape Mallow (Sparmannia) has survived Dutch winters for years, but I carefully wrap it in acrylic fleece. This year, I will also experiment with the Igloo Wintering Tent. You can also purchase these protective products from us; you can find them here.

You can still order them on the website (as I mentioned before), but since it's time to plant them (or do you say "put them in the ground"?), I get to announce the annual clearance sale! For a small price, get many bulbs and corms from this charming group. You might recognize them: Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Autumn Crocus (including the famous Saffron!), and Autumn Daffodils...

We will deliver €30.00 worth of goods, and you only pay €19.50

Variegation in plants is currently attracting a lot of attention. Very high prices are being paid for all sorts of houseplants with variegated (green with yellow-white) leaves. This variegated banana is difficult to cultivate in the initial phase, which is why growers handle this phase, and we have been able to get our hands on a beautiful batch of 20 plants. Give the plant plenty of light, spray it often, and find it a warm spot. Water the soil as needed, never "wet on wet". In winter, the leaves may tend to change due to the shorter, less bright days. Many places are asking €100 to €200 for a plant, but we can offer these 20 plants at a very affordable price (in comparison)! Please note: we first collect all orders, they are stored separately with the grower, not with us... This unique offer rarely comes along, so strike while the iron is hot!

For anyone who cooks Asian (or other tropical) cuisine, fresh curry leaves are a flavour revelation!
Our grower of large curry leaf plants is offering us his last stock of over 400 plants. They have been outdoors all summer and are very well hardened off. At the first night frost, they need to be brought indoors, preferably in a cool and very bright place. Our grower is offering them at an extra favourable price, so if you've ever doubted: now is your chance. Please note: we will first collect all orders; they are stored separately with the grower, not with us...

We occasionally have these varieties in stock (like now!), so I'd like to bring them to your attention:

• Cocoa Tree: it's truly special to witness the growth of the real source of chocolate in your own home;
• Bid-Voor-Ons-Plant (Brazilian Spinach): a superfood in Brazil! Read all about this rare plant on our website;
• Garden Quartet: we still have some plants left for this great offer.