This is now the week to look towards the jobs that come around each autumn. Cutting back of raspberry canes and blackcurrant bushes marks the beginning of autumn.
I’m glad to report another good year for the blackcurrant bushes. The raspberry canes were new so I did not expect a bumper crop but hope for great things next year. Cutting back the canes is going to encourage new growth but also in a small garden keeps things tidy enough for myself and visitors to walk around.
The blackcurrant pruning involves taking out branches which fruited this year and this also de-clutters the bush which helps air to circulate and keeps any disease at bay. The cuttings also serve as useful sticks which can be used again for climbing plants next year, or if dried can be used to help start a fire in the winter. The ash from the fire will return to the compost heap, keeping the cycle of life going full circle.
