How to Incorporate Autumn Colours into Your Garden Design

There’s something beautiful about autumn, as the leaves begin to fall from the trees and warm colours come to life. If you’d like to recreate the natural appeal of autumn, you can incorporate the season’s defining colours into your garden design.

From fiery reds to rustic oranges and golden yellows, we’ll help you use these beautiful colours for your garden design in this guide.

Why are autumn colours so popular for garden design?

Autumn colours can bring a garden to life and turn it into a warm and inviting haven. Sure, summer is all about bright colours, but there’s something uniquely peaceful about autumn tones.

Here’s why the colours are so popular for garden design:

• Foliage: You’ll notice that perennials, shrubs, and trees change colour before winter occurs, which can result in stunning transformations, where green leaves turn to warm oranges and browns.
• Texture: Bark, grass and seed heads can also become more noticeable in gardens.
• Warmth: Autumn might mean it’s time for colder weather, but it also introduces warm colours to the garden, creating an inviting environment.

Top tips for creating the perfect autumn garden

So, now you know why autumn gardens are so popular, it’s time to reveal our top tips for creating a beautiful and harmonious outdoor space.

From choosing the right trees to adding colourful perennials and ornamental grasses, here are some steps to take.

1. Choosing autumn-friendly trees

Trees are popular for gardens, adding structure and height to the space. However, some trees are better for autumn than others, as they provide deeper colours. We recommend the following tree types:

• Japanese Maple: Despite its compact size, Japanese Maple comes alive in autumn, with beautiful orange, red, and even purple leaves.
• Liquidambar (Sweetgum): The Sweetgum tree creates a spectrum of autumn tones, including yellows and deep reds.
• Rowan: You’ll recognise Rowan trees for their red berries, which are popular with birds. So, you can enjoy rich colours while attracting wildlife into your garden.
• Birch: Birch trees have white bark and golden leaves in the winter, which add a touch of elegance to your garden.

2. Perennials and shrubs

Shrubs and perennials are excellent ways to add visual interest to your garden, as they provide a combination of foliage, blooms, berries, and seed heads. Plenty of shrubs grow in the UK, but the most popular options for gardens include:

• Hydrangeas: During autumn, hydrangeas transform into burgundy and red colours.
• Dogwood: Dogwood plants have striking yellow, orange, and red stems.
• Sedums: Sedums have pink flowers in spring and summer, but they can sometimes turn to bronze and copper tones.
• Asters: Asters are late bloomers, and their flowers will turn orange, yellow, and purple in autumn.

3. Add ornamental grasses

Traditional lawns can fade during the autumn and winter, but ornamental grasses are perfect for keeping your garden alive. They add texture to the space, and certain grasses can catch the light, adding unique colours.

• Miscanthus: Also known as Chinese silver grass, Miscanthus is renowned for its large plumes that turn from silver to bronze.
• Pennisetum: Fountain grass is ideal for minimalistic gardens and has golden tones.
• Stipa Tenuissima: British gardens love this delicate grass, as it moves gently in the breeze.

When adding ornamental grasses to your garden, you should maintain the tone of your space and avoid overcrowding it.

4. Use seasonal flowers

The UK has a diverse selection of flowers to choose from, and many thrive in autumn. When you choose the right bulbs, you can ensure that your garden maintains its vibrant tones, regardless of the time of year.

Autumn Crocus plants are known for their lilac flowers, while Nerines have vibrant pink tones, which add a summery feel to your garden.

5. Use hardscaping and decorative features

If you prefer a minimalist design, adding various plants to your garden might not be the best idea. However, decorative features and hardscaping elements are fantastic ways to introduce autumn colours and create a year-round relaxing space.

For example, adding painted furniture in deep green, yellow, and red can be beneficial, while terracotta pots are great for adding colour. And, don’t forget lighting; it adds a natural glow to your garden and ensures you can use it during the evening.

Wherever possible, you should use recycled materials, as they’re environmentally friendly and you can repurpose them to create unique decorations for your garden.

6. Encourage wildlife

When you add the right trees and plants, you can attract wildlife to your garden. From brown squirrels foraging to colourful birds eating berries from Rowan trees, your outdoor space can become a relaxing haven.

Late-blooming flowers, holly, and seed heads will naturally attract wildlife to the garden, ensuring it feels alive long after summer ends.

7. Plan for winter

It’s best to plan for the winter season in advance, as it ensures your garden will come back to life in the spring. Here are some top maintenance tips for autumn:

• Prune plants and shrubs regularly, but leave the seed heads as they maintain structure.
• Rake leaves regularly and use them for compost and mulch.
• If you have tender plants, you can protect them by using fleece or ensuring they have adequate shelter.
• Refresh your containers with seasonal displays to ensure the natural colours extend into late autumn.

The bottom line

Autumn is often regarded as the end of summer, but it’s also a beautiful transition – so take the time to appreciate the natural beauty of this season. Incorporating autumn shades into your garden allows you to create a colourful space that instantly comes to life.

From choosing the right trees to planting perennials and shrubs, you can attract wildlife and enjoy year-round usage.

If you’d like help creating the perfect autumn space, our dedicated garden design specialists can bring your vision to life. Please get in touch with us today.