Top Ten Tips for the Perfect Autumn Garden
With winter slowly closing in we are starting to begin to see the days shorten and soon enough temperatures will start to plummet. Before they do, there is plenty to do in the garden and we can enjoy our time in it before we say farewell to the last of the autumn.
1. Clean Up
After an unseasonably mild September, and remember that summer was very cool by comparison and mainly pretty wet, this has had a knock on effect into the garden meaning plants and shrubs need careful tending to as we go into the winter months to ensure they are in good health for next year.
2. Maintenance for your perennials
It’s a great time to remove any plants that are seasonal – more commonly know as annuals, and put a little maintenance into the perennials that flower year after year. By removing dead leaves and flowers now gives plants the opportunity to grow and develop without disease or rot setting in.
3. Future Growth
If you are looking for new growth next year, now is the time to consider planting spring bulbs. The ground is still warm and inviting for new growth. Trees, plants and shrubs can all be moved before the first snap of winter arrives.
4. Lawn Maintenance
Begin to consider your lawn for next year. Scarify to remove moss and dead grass that has built up over the summer period. You may need to adjust the height of the cut on your mower and consider mowing less often. Feed with a good quality lawn feed to help your lawn survive through the winter period.
5. Furniture Cover Up
If you have furniture out in the garden, now is the time to consider moving them to indoor storage. A quick clean down before storing should help to maintain for next year. If you are unable to store inside, invest in good quality garden furniture covers to help protect against the harshest of the elements. Likewise if you have a patio heater, consider your options for storage. A simple clean down with soapy water prior to storage will help to protect over the course of the winter.
6. Bird Feeding
If you are interested in helping birds and wildlife in the garden during the colder months invest in a bird feeder. A simple bird table makes a great addition to most outdoor areas.
7. Almost Moving into the House
As temperatures drop the use of a conservatory if you have one means you can still enjoy the garden whilst utilising your conservatory. If you have patio heaters these can help to make a relaxing evening, giving the warmth required to keep the chill off whilst enjoying a drink with loved ones or friends.
8. Pond Solutions
If you have a pond in the garden remove any garden debris such as leaves and the like and then net it to keep the worst of any other debris out which may get blown around the garden.
9. Get your Compost in Order
If you are a keen gardener, now is a great time to turn your compost heap. This gives it the opportunity to rot down over the winter months. Any debris you find in the garden following a tidy up can be added, these are great sources of nutrition to help your compost.
10. Look around you
Autumn is a super time for the rich golden colours, which you will find all around. A riot of colour can be seen from such trees and bushes whilst traditional autumn flowering plants such as the amaryllis and crocus add to the vibrancy of the season.
