The BC Blog...

November brings with it a distinct change in the garden and, indeed, in the air. With crisp mornings, shorter days, and a fiery burst of autumn colour in the trees, the garden undergoes its own preparation for the winter months ahead. As the temperature cools, garden enthusiasts have a few remaining tasks to tackle before the colder weather arrives in earnest. November also offers families in the UK a chance to gather for Bonfire Night and to pause for a moment of reflection on Remembrance Sunday. With these events in mind, let's take a look at how to make the most of November in the garden, balancing fun with safety, while keeping our outdoor space ready for the seasons to come.

Bonfire Night: History, Fun, and Safety

In Britain, Bonfire Night is celebrated on 5th November each year, marking the anniversary of the infamous Gunpowder Plot. Back in 1605, Guy Fawkes and a group of conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament, hoping to assassinate King James I. Their plot was foiled, and, in response, bonfires were lit around London to celebrate the King's survival. This tradition has carried on through the centuries, and today Bonfire Night is celebrated with bonfires, fireworks, and gatherings of family and friends.

While it’s a joyous occasion, Bonfire Night also calls for a strong emphasis on safety—especially in gardens where many families hold their own firework displays and build bonfires. Garden fires, in particular, need careful supervision. Here are a few crucial tips:

1. Choose a Safe Spot: Position your bonfire or fireworks display well away from sheds, fences, trees, and of course, your home. It’s also wise to keep a bucket of water or hose nearby, just in case.
2. Supervise Children Closely: Bonfires and fireworks are exciting for children, but they’re also potentially hazardous. Make sure young ones are at a safe distance, and never give sparklers to children under five. Sparklers might look harmless but can reach extremely high temperatures.
3. Mind the Wildlife: Before lighting any bonfire, be sure to check for any small creatures, such as hedgehogs, who might have chosen your pile as a cosy shelter.

November evenings can be the perfect setting for making family memories around a bonfire, sharing hot chocolate, and watching fireworks. But safety always comes first, ensuring that the only spark in the night is from the fireworks themselves, and not from an unfortunate accident.

Remembrance Sunday: A Time to Pause

November also brings Remembrance Sunday, which this year falls on 10th November. This day is set aside to honour the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present. Many people wear poppies in remembrance, and the two-minute silence held at 11 a.m. serves as a moving tribute. In the garden, you might consider planting poppies as a long-lasting reminder of this important day. These resilient flowers, with their vibrant red petals, serve as both a fitting homage and a symbol of hope.

Top Gardening Tips for November

November may seem like the end of the gardening year, but there are still plenty of tasks that can set you up for success in spring. Here are three top tips to help you make the most of November in the garden:

1. Protect Tender Plants: Many plants, such as potted citrus trees or young perennials, are sensitive to frost. Move pots indoors if possible, or insulate them with bubble wrap. If you can’t move certain plants, consider using a fleece to protect them on especially cold nights.
2. Gather Fallen Leaves: Fallen leaves are valuable in the garden. Rake them up to make leaf mould, which can be an excellent soil conditioner. Simply place leaves in a compost bag or bin, leave them to decompose, and by next year, you’ll have a fantastic addition to your garden’s soil.
3. Plant Spring Bulbs: November is your last chance to plant spring bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils. Plant them around 10-15 cm deep in well-draining soil for a beautiful splash of colour when the weather warms up again. Bulbs are a low-maintenance addition that pay off wonderfully in early spring, just as the winter gloom starts to lift.

November can also be a good time to plant bare-root roses, provided the ground isn’t frozen. Roses are relatively hardy, and getting them in the ground now means they’ll have a good head start for blooming in the spring and summer.

Looking Forward to Christmas

As we settle into November, the garden may feel like it’s quieting down, but a lot of crucial work is still happening. Preparing for winter not only keeps your garden safe and healthy through the cold months but also sets the stage for a vibrant spring. With Bonfire Night and Remembrance Sunday, November offers time to reflect, remember, and enjoy the warmth of family gatherings. And with Christmas just around the corner, it won’t be long before we’re back out in the garden, perhaps hanging lights or picking fresh holly.

So, whether you’re lighting up the night on Bonfire Night, planting the last of your spring bulbs, or raking up leaves, remember that each task you complete in the garden this month is one more step toward welcoming the festive season. Soon, Christmas will be upon us, with its own brand of magic to bring us together once again!