| Cat Saunder's tips: | - Growing Asters in moist soils in semi-shade seems to keep them mildew free.
- Pinching out the growing tips at the end of June may save you having to support the stems.
- Autumn is the perfect time to establish new plants.
- March is the time to think about planting from seed.
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A simple looking, hardy flower that's perfect for extending the summer garden right into late autumn. Michaelmas Daisies, or Asters as they're known, bloom from July right through to the coldest parts of November. Each 'Daisy' is actually a composite of many blooms. The centre is made up of scores of tiny flowers and the colourful parts that look like petals are in fact rays put out by the plant to make it more attractive to pollinating insects. Creating a good display with Asters couldn't be easier according to Cat Saunders, the Head Gardener of the Courts Garden in Holt, near Bradford on Avon: "I never even bother deadheading them – they're the easiest plant of all.
 | | Cat Saunders |
"You do need to stake them, but if you pinch out the top six inches of the shoot at the end of June, they'll flower two weeks later than usual, but will be more compact and may not need staking." Asters became known as Michaelmas Daisies with the introduction of the Gregorian calendar centuries ago. The change saw us lose between 9 and 12 days each year. Instead of flowering in October, the Asters were blooming around Michaelmas at the end of September and so their name was linked.
 | | Asters at The Courts |
"They are said to be prone to mildew," says Cat, "but if you grow them in semi-shade and slightly moist soil you'll avoid most of those problems." Autumn is the perfect time to plant Asters says Cat: "With climates changing, springs are earlier and drier. By planting them in the autumn you've got the wet winter to help bed them in." If you're growing them from seed, March is the time to buy and plant new seeds. | 
