As the seasons shift from the lush greens of spring and summer to the warm hues of autumn, the Irish landscape begins its transformation. Counties Cork and Kerry, with their diverse plant life and temperate climate, offer a wealth of flora that mirrors the seasonal change. From the coastal gardens to the inland meadows, shades of gold, burnished bronze, and russet red dominate the scene.
At this time of year, Heritage Grounds Maintenance focuses on the essential tasks to keep gardens thriving. One of the most enjoyable activities is collecting seeds from annuals and perennials, ensuring the garden's natural beauty continues to flourish year after year.
Dianthus carthusianorum
The Importance of Seed Collecting
In our gardens, we harvest seeds from species like Digitalis grandiflora, Dianthus carthusianorum, Cenolophium denudatum, and Ammi majus. These species plants ensure that their offspring will come true to form, preserving the integrity of the garden. However, some plants, such as poppies, can be more unpredictable. Field poppies, like the striking Amazing Grey, may cross-pollinate with common red varieties, leading to unexpected results. For those wishing to maintain the exact appearance of hybrids, new seeds will need to be purchased annually.
In the tradition of many Irish gardens, we handle one species at a time, carefully snipping off the seed heads and laying them in trays to dry. Once dry, these seeds will be stored and shared—there's something special about gifting home-harvested seeds to fellow gardeners.
Seed harvesting Dianthus carthusianorum
Top Garden Jobs for September
As we prepare the garden for the colder months, here are some of our key tasks for the season:
Divide Herbaceous Perennials: Now is the time to lift and split perennials such as Agapanthus and Euphorbia to encourage healthy growth next spring.
Harvest Seeds: Collect seeds from early summer-flowering plants, ensuring they dry thoroughly before storing them for future sowing.
Sow Hardy Annuals: Plants like Ammi, cornflowers, and Scabiosa can be sown now for early blooms next year.
Plant Ornamental Grasses: Ornamental grasses, such as Panicum virgatum and Anemanthele lessoniana, thrive at this time of year, adding structure and texture to borders.
Winter Salad Leaves: Sow mizuna and mustard greens for a fresh supply of winter salads.
Dividing Herbaceous Perennials
Ornamental Grasses for Autumn
Ornamental grasses have become a vital feature in Irish gardens, particularly in counties like Cork and Kerry, where the wind-swept coastal climate is ideal for hardy varieties. As the autumn light softens, grasses like Imperata cylindrica(Japanese blood grass) and Festuca glauca (Elijah Blue) take on vibrant hues, adding movement and structure to the garden.
Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’: With its striking crimson tips, this grass brings vibrancy to autumn borders. It pairs beautifully with late-season perennials such as Helenium or Rock Rose.
Panicum virgatum ‘Rehbraun’: This tall, elegant grass produces clouds of reddish-purple flowers from late summer into autumn, complementing the Irish landscape’s golden tones.
Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra
Embracing the Change of Season
As gardeners, autumn is a time of reflection and preparation. Whether you're working in the gentle hills of County Kerry or along the windswept shores of Cork, this season provides an opportunity to ensure next year's garden thrives. Here at Heritage Grounds Maintenance, we encourage our clients to embrace the rhythm of the seasons. September is a time to continue harvesting vegetables, collecting seeds, and planting for the colder months ahead.
The autumn landscape of Ireland offers a rich palette of colours, with flowers like Linum perenne (flax) and Erica cinerea (heather) still in bloom. These delicate yet resilient flowers reflect the unique beauty of the Irish countryside and inspire us to nurture our gardens year-round.
By sowing the right seeds now, dividing perennials, and choosing ornamental grasses that thrive in our climate, you can create a garden that remains vibrant and full of interest, even as the days grow shorter. For those who love the traditional beauty of Ireland’s landscapes, autumn offers a time to reflect, harvest, and prepare for the next season of growth.
Erica cinerea in Kerry
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