The Weather Is Getting Colder Isn’t an Excuse to Neglect Your Outdoor Space
Spring and summer are peak gardening seasons, and now that autumn is on the way, you’d be forgiven for thinking your garden’s best days are behind it for another year.
However, the arrival of autumn doesn’t have to mean the end of attractive outdoor space. Whether you live in one of the new homes in Darlington or an older property, taking the right steps now can ensure your garden stays beautiful, tidy, and healthy throughout the colder months, making for plenty of cosy nights around a fire pit.
So as the leaves change and the nights draw in, let’s take a look at some of the best ways to prepare your garden for autumn’s arrival.
Tidy up Fallen Leaves and Debris
Falling leaves are quintessentially autumnal, and while they add to the charm of the season, they can also create a mess in your garden. Raking up leaves and clearing away debris from flower beds, pathways, and lawns is important, as leaving them unattended can lead to the growth of mould and fungi. However, don’t throw them all away. Fallen leaves can be used as mulch, which helps enrich your soil over the winter months.
If you love the aesthetic of autumn foliage, you can even collect some of the prettiest leaves and use them to create a seasonal wreath or an autumn-themed centrepiece.
Prune and Trim Shrubs and Trees
Autumn is the best time to give your trees and shrubs a light trim, keeping your garden neat while also encourages healthy growth in the spring. Focus on cutting back dead branches and thinning out overcrowded plants, but be mindful not to over-prune, as some plants benefit from retaining their foliage for winter protection.
Lighting up trees with soft fairy lights can create a magical atmosphere during the darker evenings, and a well-placed outdoor lantern can highlight these natural elements.
Plant Spring Bulbs
It’s always important to look ahead, even in gardening. While autumn may signal the end of the growing season for most plants, it’s the perfect time to prepare for spring. Plant bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses now to ensure a burst of colour when the weather warms up again. Seek out a sunny spot with well-draining soil for the best results.
To take your garden aesthetics to the next level, you can plant bulbs in symmetrical patterns or along pathways. This more structured approach adds a hint of formal elegance, drawing the eye through your garden design.
Prepare Your Lawn
Autumn is also an important time for lawn care. After a summer of sunshine and foot traffic, most lawns look a little tired by September, so rake up any remaining leaves, aerate the soil, and reseed bare patches. Giving your lawn a feed with an autumn-specific fertiliser also helps it stay strong through the winter.
Low hedges, ornamental grasses, or rustic wooden edging are creative ways to give your lawn some wow-factor, offering a clean visual frame around your lawn and flower beds.
Add Seasonal Autumn Flowers
Spring and summer might be renowned for their blooms, but there are still plenty of plants that bring colour and vibrancy to an autumn garden. Chrysanthemums, pansies, and ornamental cabbages can bring seasonal hues of reds, oranges, and purples to your outdoor space. And better yet, these are hardy plants that can withstand cooler temperatures and thrive in early autumn.
Placing these seasonal plants in stylish containers or pots can take your garden to the next level, complementing the rich colours of autumn flowers. Think of using materials like metals, rustic wood, or natural stone.
