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Essential tasks to get ahead this autumn.
As autumn settles in, it’s tempting to leave garden tasks until spring, but preparing now can save you time and create the foundation for a vibrant garden when summer arrives. Whether you’re looking to enhance your lawn, add structure with hardscapes, or introduce plants that will establish themselves over winter, here are some practical steps you can take now for a garden that’s ready to enjoy by the time warm weather returns.
Focus on soil health and lawn care
Autumn is a great time to nourish and prepare your lawn and soil, setting the stage for healthy growth in spring and summer. Consider these steps:
Lawn aeration and reseeding: Aerating your lawn helps relieve compaction, allowing water and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil. After aerating, apply a layer of topsoil and reseed any sparse areas to encourage a thick, healthy lawn.
Soil improvement: Spread a layer of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure over your garden beds. As it breaks down over winter, it will enrich your soil, providing essential nutrients and improving structure for planting in spring.
Plan new planting with seasonal timing in mind
Some plants are best introduced in the cooler months to give them a head start before summer. Winter-hardy plants, bulbs, and shrubs can establish their roots now, giving you a burst of colour and greenery earlier next year. Consider these options:
Spring-flowering bulbs: Plant bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses in autumn for a beautiful early display. They’re low-maintenance and can brighten up your garden as winter fades.
Shrubs and perennials: Planting shrubs and hardy perennials now allows them to settle in over winter, so they’re ready to grow and bloom in spring. Look for varieties that suit your garden’s conditions and add year-round interest, like evergreens or flowering shrubs.
Add structure with patios, pathways, and garden borders
Now is an ideal time to think about hardscape elements—like patios, pathways, and garden borders—that can shape your garden’s layout and make it more functional. Whether you want to create defined spaces for seating, dining, or simply guiding the flow through your garden, here are a few ideas:
Patios and seating areas: A patio provides a firm, durable surface for outdoor furniture and creates a welcoming space for dining and socialising. Choosing weather-resistant materials like sandstone or porcelain ensures it will withstand the UK climate.
Pathways: Adding pathways not only enhances accessibility but also gives your garden structure. Consider pathways made of gravel, stepping stones, or paving to create a clear route through planted areas.
Garden edging: Defining garden beds with borders or edging helps create a clean, organised look while preventing soil and plants from spilling over. Options include timber, stone, and metal, depending on your garden’s style.
Create focal points and add height with garden structures
Features like pergolas, trellises, and raised beds add both function and aesthetic interest to your garden. As you prepare for next year, consider incorporating elements that offer height, shade, or a place for climbing plants.
Pergolas and trellises: Adding a pergola or trellis now can give you a beautiful structure to support climbing plants come spring. These structures create height and visual interest, while also providing shade and privacy.
Raised beds: Raised beds are practical for planting and can bring added dimension to your garden. They’re ideal for seasonal flowers or even a kitchen garden, and they make gardening more accessible for families or those with limited mobility.
Tips for winter garden maintenance
To keep your garden in good shape, a few simple maintenance tasks over winter can make a big difference:
Clear fallen leaves: Remove leaves from lawns, patios, and pathways to prevent slippery surfaces and avoid blocking light to grass and plants below.
Protect delicate plants: Mulch around the base of sensitive plants to insulate roots from frost, and consider using garden fleece on particularly frosty nights for added protection.
Prune and tidy: Trim back perennials after they’ve finished flowering, and prune shrubs to encourage healthy growth. Avoid cutting spring-flowering shrubs, as they’re already developing next year’s buds.