Welcome to The Sunday Gardener

 Hedera Helix, the native English Ivy, when mature, produces flowers and berries which support a wide range of wildlife, particularly late in the year before hibernation. The nectar and pollen are food for insects including bees, hoverflies and wasps, the berries have high fat content and loved by birds, and the plant itself provides shelter for insects and small mammals.

Very good value for money in terms of providing for wildlife. 

This is the wonderfully scented Viburnum bodnantense which starts to flower in some parts of the UK from November onwards, until the spring. It is highly scented, slow growing; and it is tolerant of most soils and aspects including partial shade. 

It will eventually grow up to 2m and is just one of a group of viburnums suitable for the garden.

It is estimated that UK hedgehog numbers have dropped by 95% since the 1950s. In October/ November, depending on the weather, they will hibernate and it is vital for survival that Hedgehogs have enough fat to get it through winter. To help them put out food.  You can buy specialist hedgehog food from wildlife food suppliers, alternatively leave out tinned dog or cat food (not fish-based) and crushed dog or cat biscuits. More ideas on feeding Hedgehogs.

Plant Onions, garlic and broad beans in the autumn for an earlier crop next year.

The growing conditions need to be good, the soil free draining and not waterlogged. It is best to buy Autumn varieties suitable and named as autumn planting varieties, and they can be planted throughout October and November.