Hello gardeners,

Welcome to the October edition of Look Local Over the Garden Gate!
As we move into the final quarter of the year, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on everything we’ve explored so far — from water conservation and coping with wet or dry conditions to hosepipe bans, boggy lawns, and how climate change continues to reshape the way we garden.

Our award-winning BBC Gold show garden this year showcased just how much thoughtful design and clever plant choices can help us adapt and thrive — even on the trickiest plots.

This month, we’re turning our attention to one of the most misunderstood and, dare we say, maligned soil types of all: clay.

---

🌱 Clay Soil – Friend or Foe?

Clay soils often get a bad reputation. They’re sticky, heavy, and crack open in summer, only to turn into a swamp come winter. Many gardeners simply give up, convinced nothing will grow.

But here’s the good news — while clay can be challenging, it’s also packed with nutrients and, with the right approach, can become one of the most productive soils you’ll ever grow in.

💡 5 Practical Tips for Thriving on Clay

1. Build Up, Don’t Dig Down
Create raised beds or gentle mounds to improve drainage and make your soil easier to work with. Treating the clay with lime (known as flocculation) can also help break down compacted particles and improve structure over time.

2. Let Plants Do the Hard Work
Clay holds moisture and nutrients — perfect for deep-rooted, robust plants. Fill your garden with perennials, groundcovers, and moisture-lovers to naturally improve the soil and prevent compaction.

3. Use Trees for Shade and Structure
Trees not only add height and interest but also help draw out excess moisture and aerate the soil. Their canopy provides welcome shade, reducing surface cracking in summer.

4. Make Winter Walkable
Lay stepping stones or gravel paths to reach your shed or greenhouse without trampling soggy soil. No more muddy boots or slipping around!

5. Feed the Soil – Add Organic Matter
Now’s the perfect time to dig in well-rotted Farm Yard Manure (FYM). Top it off with a wood pulp mulch to protect the surface, lock in nutrients, and keep weeds at bay.

🍂 Nature’s Way of Healing Soil

Nature has its own way of fixing poor soil — roots loosen it, leaf litter builds it, and organic matter feeds it. If we follow those natural cues, even the most stubborn clay can become a fertile, thriving base for your garden.

Autumn’s mild weather makes it the ideal time to roll up your sleeves, grab your spade, and get started. The rains are on their way — so give your garden the head start it deserves!

Your plants (and your future self) will thank you. 🌿

Happy gardening,
The Mimosa Garden Design Team