Embracing Autumn

Preparing Your Garden for the Season's Arrival

As summer gives way to crisp air and the vibrant reds, oranges and golds of autumn, gardens offer a picturesque backdrop for embracing the changing season. With a little preparation, you can ensure that your garden not only survives but thrives during this time of transition. In this blog, we will explore our top tips to help you prepare your garden for autumn, allowing you to revel in the beauty it offers.

1. Tidying Up:

Autumn is an ideal time to tidy up your garden, bid farewell to fading summer blooms, and prepare for new growth. Start by removing any spent annuals and cut back perennials which have finished flowering. This will not only improve the aesthetics of your garden but also prevent the onset of diseases and pests that can overwinter in dead plant material.

2. Pruning and Shaping:

Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and shape of your garden plants. Before winter arrives, trim any dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs. Prune summer-flowering shrubs just after they have finished blooming, ensuring they have ample time to set buds for the following year.

3. Planting for Autumn Interest:

Enhance the beauty of your garden by incorporating plants that thrive during the autumn season. Consider planting vibrant autumnal favourites such as Japanese maples, ornamental grasses, and late-blooming perennials like asters and chrysanthemums. These additions will infuse your garden with warm hues and textures, creating a captivating display.

4. Bulb Planting:

Autumn is also the prime time for planting spring-blooming bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Prepare your garden beds by adding compost or well-rotted manure, ensuring proper drainage. Plant bulbs at the recommended depth and spacing, allowing them to establish roots before winter. Come spring, your garden will be awash with a colorful tapestry of blossoms.

5. Feeding and Mulching:

To fortify your garden for the colder months ahead, consider nourishing the soil with organic matter. Apply a layer of well-rotted compost or mulch around the base of your plants, providing insulation and suppressing weeds. Mulching also helps retain moisture during drier periods, reducing the need for frequent watering.

6. Protecting Tender Plants:

If you have tender plants that are not frost-resistant, it's crucial to protect them from the impending frosty nights. Consider covering them with horticultural fleece or bringing potted plants indoors. Creating a makeshift greenhouse using plastic sheeting can also help create a warm microclimate for the more delicate species.

7. Attracting Wildlife:

Autumn presents an ideal opportunity to attract and support wildlife in your garden. Leave seed heads and berries on plants, providing a vital food source for birds during the colder months. Consider installing bird feeders and nesting boxes to encourage avian visitors, while also providing shelter which will remain undisturbed over winter for hedgehogs and other small creatures.

Preparing your English garden for autumn ensures that it remains a haven of beauty and tranquility throughout the changing seasons. Embrace the arrival of autumn and let your garden shine as it transitions into the new chapter.