Gardeners: autumn/winter planting advice needed!

[Pengui]

Help!

I?m new to East Dulwich and to gardening, and I have two raised flowerbeds that currently serve as neighborhood litterboxes. The flowerbeds are bare except for two large bay trees -- one at the center of each bed. The few sad looking pansies planted under the bay trees were quickly consumed by waves of ravenous snails and slugs.

I would love to fill these boxes with autumn and winter flowering perennials, ideally a colourful groundcover at least 30 cm high so as to be seen over the sides of the boxes, but I?m not sure which plants might work this time of year. My internet searches haven?t been helpful? am I asking too much? Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

[ed_pete]

I don't profess to be an expert but I think you are asking too much ! Most flowering plants now are into their last couple of months be them annuals or perennials so planting something now that'll last all winter - especially if you want it to be a foot high - is going to be tricky to find. Here's a suggestion: first plant a number of spring bulbs (tulips, aliums, snowdrops, crocus - even daffs) reasonably deeply in the beds. You don't need to do this yet but during October/November and watch out for squirrels as they can dig up the bulbs. Secondly have another go with winter pansies and/or violas. If you're suffering from slug/snail damage then I'm afraid I'd go heavy on the slug pellets in order to protect your investment. I know there are a couple of local garden centres - the one near the station, and there's one over in Croxted Road as well - but for variety/range I've become a fan of Shannon's in Forest Hill, just off the South Circular or there's always Columbia Road though it might be as well to wait for the Paralympics to be over before paying it a visit.

[red devil]

You should visit the local garden centres and see what they have in stock, and ask what they plan to get in over the coming months. You probably will have to plan ahead, e.g. Spring bulbs will need planting Sept-Nov.

How about...

Autumn flowering Crocuses;

Various Cyclamen, Heathers and Ornamental Cabbages and Kales during Autumn/Winter;

Helleborus flowers in Jan/Feb;

Early flowering bulbs such as Snowdrops and Irises;

Then it's your main spring bulbs...

[Pengui]

Thank you Ed_Pete and Red Devil for your helpful suggestions! Will try the pansies again, this time with pellets. And I especially love the idea of ornamental cabbages, kales, and the autumn flowering crocuses.

Thanks again!