Containers Indoors

I took the opportunity to take containers of geraniums (pelargoniums) indoors before the weather broke whilst they were dry. There is still some water in the compost, enough to see them through the winter. I sprayed them with 'Systhane Fungus Fighter' (1.53 g/l myclbutanil) beforehand because of problems with leaf spot and botrytis.

The fuchsias and late begonias are still flowering well, despite the slight frost. They are close to walls in sheltered positions.

Simple Autumn Arrangement

Equipment

Large shallow pot (about 25 to 30 cm 10 to 12 inches)
Multi-purpose compost
12 Miniature daffodil bulbs
2 Cyclamen corms (outdoor)
6 pansies
teaspoonful bonemeal
Derris Dust
3 Match Sticks, or similar

I have utilised some old daffodil bulbs which are sprouting in last year's container. Just dug up a few, taking care not to damage the bulbs, especially at the necks. They might grow rather too tall, but it shouldn't matter.

• Placed some paper over hole in base of pot to prevent compost dropping through
• Made a tiny hole in paper next to edge of hole in pot
• Added about 2.5 cm (1 inch) compost
• Mixed in half of bonemeal, then spread rest over remaining compost
• Positioned daffodils at back
• Firmed soil around roots for support
• Added pansies
• Dusted with 'Derris'
• Filled in with remaining compost
• Pushed cyclamen corms into front of arrangement, till buried beneath compost for about half their depth
• Watered
• Placed in a light sheltered spot, supported on match sticks, at front of house. Match sticks enable water to get away whilst restricting access for some pests

That's all there was to it.

I have used a clay pot for the first time. Clay pots tend to dry out faster than plastic, so I shall have to watch the watering. Normally I do not water again until spring. It might be different this year.