The days are trimming down their sunlight savings. The air’s turning from humid to a crispier edition. So, it’s a signal for you, as a garden enthusiast, to change tack.
Yep, autumn involves pumpkin-spiced everything. But it’s also the season where your garden becomes more colourful if you play your cards right.
In our post, we’ll spill the seeds on how to make a few tweaks to turn your outdoor oasis into a place that complements the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.
Gloves at the ready, because we’re going to dig into how to do autumn gardening with a style and a smidgen of cheek.
Here’s how to embrace the beauty of fall in your landscape.
Do an Autumn Audit
Just before you toss bulbs over your shoulder hoping for a miracle display come spring, do a little autumn audit.
Inspect your garden. Are your perennials looking a bit perished? Is your lawn more ’50 shades of brown’ than lush green?
And equally important, check your soil’s health. Examine the stability of your current plants – it’ll save you tons of trouble when Jack Frost starts nipping.
If your soil’s looking tired, it might be time for a nutrient boost.
Peeking into the needs of your garden now can stop the autumnal equivalent of a fashion faux pas.
And be sure to pop over to our garden advice page – it’s where we sprout all the secrets on soil, plants, and more.
Selecting Seasonal Plants
Autumn’s the season to strut some fiery colours in your garden—it’s nature’s grand finale before the quiet of winter.
Your job now is to pick the right troupe to take centre stage.
Firstly, you can’t go wrong with chrysanthemums. They come in shades that could outshine a bonfire.
And don’t neglect the trusty aster. It ensures your floral show goes on even as the temperatures drop.
Fancy a bit of height and drama? Dahlias will tower impressively and bloom their heads off ‘til the first frosts.
For more thorough wisdom on garden design, have a wander through our dedicated section. It’s packed with ideas that’ll help you turn your plot into a harvest festival all on its own.
Layering for Luxurious Depth
Looking to keep the garden party going even as the summer guest list diminishes? Then master the art of layering.
We’re not referring to winter jumpers – we mean bulbs here.
When we say layering, we mean setting up a surprise birthday bash, but for your garden.
Plant bulbs at different depths in the same spot, and you’ll have a succession of blooms that’ll keep the surprises popping from early spring.
Start with big’uns like daffodils and tulips, bury them deeper, then sneak some crocuses and grape hyacinths closer to the surface.
Just like a relay race, as one finishes blooming, the next takes the baton.
If you’re keen on learning how to set up this floral relay in your own backyard, how about exploring the diverse styles and inspirations from various locales on our garden design areas page?
Maybe you’re in London, Kensington, or beyond. Wherever you live, you’ll find bespoke ideas personalised to your local flair. And come spring, your garden will delight everyone who sees it.
Integrating Autumn Colour Schemes
Now the leaves are flaunting their autumnal hues, why not let your garden join the party? Go for golds, fiery reds, and sunset oranges to mimic those picture-postcard autumn scenes.
Want some depth? Try mixing in some purple and deep burgundies.
Sedum, with its starry flowers, and the blazing leaves of Acer trees, are like the confetti and fairy lights of this garden gala.
If you’re stuck on palette ideas, our pro garden designers in London can help your plot put on a spectacular seasonal show.
Making Structures Look Better with Climbers and Creepers
So, your beds are sorted and your colours are popping – great. But what about the rest of the space?
Climbers and creepers—they’ll take your garden from flat to all that. They cover up the rough bits and dress up the drab.
Ivy, for instance, can give an old wall or fence a green facelift faster than you can say ‘Jack Robinson’.
And don’t overlook the humble honeysuckle. As well as a treat for the eyes, it’s a feast for the nose with its sweet scent.
Twining these around pergolas or arches can create enchanting garden nooks that feel like secret hideaways.
For more tips on garden build and brightening up your space, our trade specialists have the prowess to project manage everything immaculately.
Winter Prep
Don’t get too caught up in autumn’s appeal and completely forget about the chilly guest waiting in the wings—winter.
Prepping your garden for winter during the fall means all hands on deck.
Start with the basics: give your perennials a good prune to help them hunker down and focus on their roots over the cold months.
Think of mulching as tucking your plants in with a warm blanket, keeping the soil cosy and nutrient-rich until spring. Don’t let Jack Frost catch your garden napping.
Need a bit more guidance on turning your garden into a winter fortress? Take a look at our Our Work page – you’ll find loads of frost-proof tips.
Lighting Up the Shorter Days
Now the days are getting shorter and the nights are creeping up on you earlier, a bit of cunning lighting can make your garden a display even in the dusk.
Garden lights make it look dreamlike. For a starry night effect, string up some LED fairy lights in the trees. Or use solar-powered lamps along pathways to guide your steps like a runway model at a fashion show.
And why not spotlight a few of those spectacular autumn plants you’ve been nurturing? A little light can make your garden a scene-stealer during those early evenings.
For more bright ideas, pop over to our Gallery page – you might find some inspo for brilliantly lit gardens.
Creating an Autumn Sanctuary for Wildlife
Who says your garden’s only for your pleasure? This autumn, roll out the welcome mat for furry and feathery friends. Creating a wildlife-friendly garden is good karma.
To get started, set up a couple of bird feeders. Next, plant some berry bushes and seed-heavy flowers to offer a natural feast. Leave a little pile of leaves or a log or two around – they’re like the VIP lounge for bugs and critters.
Eager to turn your garden into a nature reserve this season? Meet the Soil Sisters to find out more about us, why we’re worth working with and to view more pics of our projects.
The Takeaway
And that was the lowdown on how to make your garden a gorgeous tribute to autumn. A beacon through the shorter days. A haven for local wildlife.
Follow our top tips, and your garden will look bloomin’ brilliant – it’ll also become a lively hub of natural activity.
Every season brings its own attractions and obstacles. However, with a bit of know-how and creativity, your garden can flourish and impress year-round.
Need more advice for your bespoke garden design needs? Give us a shout – go on, make your garden glorious this autumn!