There's more to autumn...

1. Pruning, harvesting, planting out... there's more to autumn than stunning colour; see October gardening jobs, our autumn planting tips, events and more, and remember to plant bulbs now for spring colour!
2. October's podcast features inspirational grasses, lawn care, and more timely gardening advice.
3. Do something to lend nature a helping hand this autumn; join in with Wild About Gardens Week, 25 - 31 October. Also find out more about our new online course, Gardening for Wildlife.
4. From Japan to Rome, find inspiration for your next trip abroad in the latest edition of the RHS Garden Holidays Worldwide brochure.

E-newsletter / October 2013

Days out with the RHS

Taste of Autumn Festival at Wisley

From 16 – 20 October the whole family can celebrate autumn with our Taste of Autumn Festival; celebrity talks from James Martin, Jekka McVicar and Pippa Greenwood, food stalls, apple tastings, cookery demonstrations, live music, advice and more.

Also enjoy seasonal menus in our cafes and restaurants, and Harvest Brunch with our chef (booking required).

RHS Partner Gardens near you

This autumn admire dramatic scenery at Parcevall Hall, North Yorkshire; see outstanding perennials at The Bressingham Gardens, Norfolk; and soak up vibrant foliage at The Dingle Gardens, Powys. Also see upcoming harvest events at RHS Partner Gardens.

Search the full list of gardens where members enjoy free entry (main member).

RHS Shows coming up

Enjoy all the best of autumn at the Malvern Autumn Show this weekend, as well as October shows in London: RHS London Harvest Festival Show (with a special late opening 8 October) and RHS London Shades of Autumn Show.

Tickets for next year's shows will go on sale soon; pre-register for tickets here.

In your garden this month

Time for those October gardening jobs and grow your own jobs...

Cuttings of tender plants

Whether you want to increase stocks of the tender perennials such as pelargoniums and marguerite or save space by overwintering small plants, growing plants from cuttings is a great option. There’s still time to take softwood and semi-ripe cuttings from your favourites.

Lifting dahlia

Once the frost hits, dahlia foliage will die back. It’s a sad sight – the end of the season – but it highlights the time to lift and store the tubers or cover the ground with a 15cm layer of mulch to insulate the tuber from the frost.

Planting shallots

Enjoy shallots next summer by planting sets now. Try the robust, round types and elongated French shallots. They grow well in containers, but give them room to develop in the ground, planting at least 45cm apart. Adding bonfire ash will also help the crop.

YOUR SPECIAL OFFERS

Click here to discover the variety of special offers open to our members. Whether you’re looking for garden goodies or a great escape, there’s something for everyone.

No more wet knees…

…or damp bottoms. No more holes in your pockets from secateurs or knives. Genus is an innovative range of stylish, high performance clothing designed specially for men and women who love gardening. An introductory 15% off for RHS members.

5* Pestana Grand Hotel

This is one of the most prestigious hotels in Madeira, surrounded by magnificent and spacious tropical gardens with the largest outdoor sea water swimming pool in Madeira. RHS Members will receive a free room upgrade and excursion.

The Telegraph Digital

Enjoy full access to The Telegraph’s award-winning journalism online, on tablet and on mobile with a Digital Pack subscription. Get a free trial for a month.

RHS events & recommended events near you this summer

Don't miss out on events near you this autumn. For all upcoming events at RHS Gardens click here, or click here to view all upcoming Recommended Events and RHS Events.