Lifestyle

Gardens and Planting Guide

September is a month filled with the heady scent of hyacinths; their dense mass of waxy florets spreading joy and perfume about the place. Potted hyacinths should be moved outside to a sun spot and fertilised (but not overwatered). To ensure another display next spring, deadhead the flowers but leave the foliage to die off naturally, this feeds the flower not the seed. Once the foliage has died back, lift bulbs out and store in a dry, dark place ready for potting next autumn.

One of my favourite things to do each year in September is to visit the NSW village of Rydal which is just over the mountain from my home in Katoomba. The sea of gold is always breath-taking. Daffodils at Rydal is on 10th–11th and 17th–18th of September. For details, call (02) 6359 3237 or visit http://rydal.com.au For more information on Chapel House, call (02) 6355 6202 or visit chapelhouse.com.au

For more inspiring gardens visit www.homelife.com.au/gardening