Paul Corfield wrote in message
...
I am finally getting round to getting my small back garden into some
sort of shape.

I have even planted something [1] which was rather fun.

My beginners question is - is it actually a good time to order new
plants (e.g. perennials or an Acer) and stick them in the ground now or
should I really wait until next year?

The J Parkers catalogue [2] suggests it is a good time to plant before
dormancy sets in. I'm just a bit dubious as to whether "baby" plants
will root in time and not die over winter - especially in quite heavy
London clay soils.

[1] some grasses and hellebores. Bulbs go in soon providing the soil
doesn't become horrendously wet.
[2] free with gardeners world magazine.
--
Paul C

Hi Paul,

If your heavy London clay gets quite sticky, it might be better to wait
until spring before planting anything other than really hardy plants and
shrubs. Your Hellebores should be okay, but improve the soil when you plant
them. I'm on heavy London (SE) clay which has been much improved, but I
still get some winter casualties. Your Acer may be better planted in a pot
in a protected site (until it matures a bit) if your garden is at all
exposed; they are woodland plants and therefore enjoy the protection of a
(light) woodland canopy.

Most bulbs prefer good drainage, so dig a relatively big hole and put some
grit in the bottom. If you just make a planting hole in heavy clay without
any improvement, your bulbs will rot in a cold, wet sump. Slugs can be a
problem, too. I've stopped buying bulbous irises because they are always
ruined or killed by slugs. If you are keen to plant bulbs but want time to
improve your clay, plant your bulb selection in pots so that you can plant
them out in late winter/spring when you've had a chance to work on your
clay. If Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are on your bulb list, don't buy
them dry but "in the green". Look in the ads at the back of gardening
magazines, where you can buy them more cheaply "in the green". This simply
means while they are still in growth after flowering. You'll get much
better results, even if you do have to wait till Feb '07 to see the flowers.
(Snowdrops do not grow well from dry bulbs. Also dry bulbs may even be
illegal imports).

Grasses are a mixed bunch; some prefer drier soil, some prefer moist. None
like to sit in solid anaerobic clay - or none that I know of.

Spider