Things might not be as vibrant in the garden once October comes around, but there are still plenty of ways to keep things looking tidy, colourful, and full of character. By putting some time and effort into your outdoor space now, you can even save money over winter.
Here are seven top tips to help you create an exceptional autumnal garden and keep your winter commitments low.
- Clean up
Tidying up your garden keeps it feeling welcoming and aesthetically pleasing for you and your visitors!
Autumnal weather means you might end up with fallen leaves and other debris in the garden, so try to keep on top of your sweeping. With a proactive approach to outdoor cleanup duties, you’ll promote cleanliness in the garden and ward away pests and diseases.
- Plant bulbs
Spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips and hyacinths promise a colourful display next spring! Placed carefully in pots, containers or borders, planting bulbs can be one of the simplest yet most rewarding ways to grow plants.
Likewise, it’s worth digging up those fragile summer-flowering bulbs before they die away for winter. Store them cool and dry ready to be planted again from the middle of spring.
- Take cuttings
Plant hormone levels are typically very high in autumn, providing an ideal seasonal window for propagation.
September and October make great months to take cuttings from so many plant types, especially those hardy perennials. Lavendar is a great example: most varieties won’t do well in winter, so it’s worth saving them now.
- Prune shrubs
Autumn is just the right time to prune back woody shrubs. This helps to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth, all while ensuring that your garden and its borders look neat and presentable.
Don’t forget that when the weather turns, thick hedgerows and shrubs serve as important shelter for garden birds and other wildlife like squirrels and hedgehogs. Looking after your shrubs means protecting the local ecosystem and keeps the borders clean.
- Choose autumnal foliage
It’s the perfect time to incorporate plants with vibrant seasonal foliage, such as maples, oaks, and dogwoods. Golden grasses could add warm tones to your front lawn, while rainbow dahlias add a playful splash of colour.
Of course, it’s always worth checking that the expected weather conditions in your region will promote a healthy lifespan for the plants you choose.
- Add seasonal décor
Tempted to spruce up your landscaping setup for the season?
Whether you’ve got beautiful wooden decking or a patio area, celebrating seasonal holidays could be a wonderful way to enjoy it. We love festive lanterns that border porcelain paving patios and dainty spotlights on steppingstones.
- Get cosy
You can still spend time outside with friends and family as the temperatures drop. With some sturdy furniture and a few thoughtful additions, it’s possible to transform your garden into an all-year entertaining space.
With the help of a heat lamp and a sturdy cover, you can keep everyone comfortable even as the temperatures drop. Blankets, throws, and cosy cushions add that little bit of extra warmth. Huddle up and unwind!
Love,
*This is a collaborative post