homes&gardens GET A WARM GLOW THIS AUTUMN
Valerie Breese discovers that with a little bit of TLC both the home and garden will benefit.
E
arly autumn is a fantastic time of year in the garden as the weather mellows with an Indian summer, the spring-flowering shrubs bloom again
adding some late colour to the garden. Autumn is for tiding up the garden ahead of the winter. Ideally, the soil should be dug, fed with manure and cleared of weeds four to five weeks before planting winter-flowering and evergreen shrubs. Make sure that all the plants are well firmed in and securely attached to supporting stakes before late autumn gales start. Deadhead flowering plants such as Buddleia, late flowering lavenders (tie in bunches and leave to dry for a wonderful sleepy scent) and all types of roses. Although feeding is not recommended at this time, Phosphorus and potassium however will make the roots stronger and mature the shoot growth making the plants more resistant to low temperatures. By now your compost heap started in spring should have rotted down to the
brown, crumbly substance, which is so good for your soil. It can be used as mulch for shrubs, climbers, fruit trees, roses and hedges, feeding and protecting the roots. Coming indoors, the walls once pristine and cool for summer may look ready for a coat of paint and this is the quickest and by far cheapest way of changing the look of a room. This autumn the trend is dark, greyish purple. Paint manufacturers Dulux autumn range includes ‘Twilight Cinders’ in six shades with hints of lavender making it feel like a very warm grey. The colour can transform a room and would look super chic with white gloss woodwork and the violet undertones would look great picked out with more vivid accessories – or even gold. It would be very calming in a bedroom and at the same time would be fantastic for a living room, providing a great neutral setting for hanging pictures and feature objects. If you want a quick change to make the room feel more
comfortable and cosy, simply add some warm colours through accessories. The trend for this autumn on the accessory front is eclectic and quirky; oversized lamps, and all things retro - a perfect time for rummaging amongst the market stalls for a bargain.
Soft blanket throws come in most autumnal colours and are relatively inexpensive, drape them over the arms of the sofas and they’re ready for you to
curl up into at the first hint of a chill wind. Plump up tired sofas with oversized cushions that can become footrest when you just want to flop.
Stop drafts with loose rugs over your
wooden flooring or brighten dull carpets with colourful rugs. Add soft lighting and mirrors to reflect the light, which will add to the glow and ambience of the room making it a welcoming retreat from the colder weather.
bathroom showroom (established 1987)
• All leading brand stocked • Visit our showroom to see the full range of quality bathroom fittings
• Trades welcome – plumbers merchant
• Delivery services available Metal bath drilling available
301 Brockley Road SE4 2QZ 020 8691 8686 or 020 8469 0372 (trade counter)
info@sidsplumbing.co.uk www.sidsplumbing.co.uk
www.meridian-magazine.co.uk 15
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