Preparing Your Garden for Autumn

As summer draws to a close, it is essential to remember that your garden can continue to flourish with vibrant colours throughout the autumn months. With a bit of maintenance and the right planting choices, you can ensure that your garden remains a beautiful sight even as the temperatures begin to drop.

Firstly, autumn is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the upcoming season. Start by removing any weeds, spent plants, and debris that may have accumulated. Raking up mulch will help lighten the soil, and adding fresh mulch to bare areas will protect the soil and enhance its appearance. If you have any bulbs that cannot winter in the ground, now is the time to dig them up. Check the bulb instructions for specific guidelines; if you no longer have the packaging, your local nursery or garden centre can provide the necessary information.

When it comes to planting for the fall, consider introducing classic Japanese Anemones or winter-flowering pansies to your garden. These plants will not only add a burst of colour but will also thrive through the winter months in many regions. Planting them in September or early October will allow you to assess areas in your garden that require colour, especially after the summer blooms have faded. Additionally, this is an excellent opportunity to plan ahead for the spring by planting bulbs that will bring joy in the coming months.

It is also crucial to prepare any tender plants for winter. For instance, roses should be adequately protected in areas where temperatures dip below freezing for extended periods. You can purchase rose housing made of mesh to cover smaller rose bushes, ensuring their protection against harsh winter conditions.

As autumn progresses, consider creating a compost pile. This is an ideal time to incorporate both dry and green materials into your compost. Adding brown and dry materials, such as fallen leaves, along with green materials like grass cuttings and kitchen scraps, will enhance the nutrient content of your compost. Items such as potato peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells are rich in minerals and will contribute significantly to your compost pile. Remember to turn your compost regularly and keep it adequately watered, especially if natural rainfall is scarce. By managing your compost pile carefully through the winter, you may have fresh compost to enrich your garden come spring.

Moreover, as the seasons change, so too do the visitors to your garden. While welcoming new wildlife such as hedgehogs can be delightful, it can also lead to challenges, particularly with unwanted guests like foxes. To deter these unwelcome visitors, we recommend the effective and humane FOXWatch. This device detects movement within a 40-foot radius and emits an ultrasonic frequency that keeps foxes at bay, ensuring the safety of your garden’s inhabitants.

In conclusion, with a bit of effort and planning, your garden can continue to thrive and bring joy throughout the autumn and winter months. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.