With the arrival of autumn, gardens take on new colours and textures. Yellowing leaves, reddish tones, and mild weather create the perfect setting to breathe new life into your outdoor space. Taking advantage of this season to revitalise your garden not only prepares it for the colder months, but also helps create a cosy and vibrant atmosphere. Discover some practical tips to transform your garden and ensure it remains beautiful and well-maintained throughout the year.
1. Cleaning and soil preparation
Before any work begins, it is essential to carry out a general clean-up in the garden. Remove dry leaves, broken branches, and withered flowers. This cleaning helps prevent the appearance of pests and diseases that could weaken the plants. Furthermore, by preparing the soil, it will be more ready to receive nutrients and support healthy root growth.
Removing leaves and debris: fallen leaves can be used for composting, but avoid leaving too many on the ground to prevent plants from getting smothered.
Preparing the soil: use a rake to loosen the soil and add a layer of organic fertiliser, ensuring the garden retains essential nutrients during autumn and winter.
2. Planting autumn flowers and shrubs
Autumn is an excellent time to introduce new species to your garden. Some plants are particularly suited to colder months and add beauty with their vibrant flowers and foliage.
Autumn flowers: consider planting species such as dahlias, chrysanthemums, and primroses, which bloom in autumn and winter. These flowers withstand low temperatures well and bring colour to the garden.
Resilient shrubs: shrubs like holly and boxwood are perfect for adding structure to the garden in winter. Not only are they resistant, but they also retain their colour and create a green base to complement seasonal flowers.
3. Pruning and plant maintenance
Autumn is the ideal time to prune certain species and prepare plants for the coming months. Pruning not only helps maintain the shape and aesthetics of plants but also contributes to their healthy growth.
Pruning trees and shrubs: remove dead branches and lightly trim plants that have grown in a disorganised way. Avoid heavy pruning, but pay attention to plants that tend to lose leaves in winter, as correct pruning can protect them from cold winds.
Maintaining perennial plants: some perennial plants benefit from a light pruning before winter. This practice strengthens the plants and ensures they are well-prepared to bloom again in spring.
4. Preparing the lawn
Keeping the lawn in good condition during autumn requires some specific care. The cooler weather and potential for rain make this season ideal for caring for the lawn and ensuring it stays green and healthy.
Soil aeration: use a rake or an aerator to make small holes in the soil, allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots more easily.
Fertilisation: autumn is a great time to fertilise the lawn. Choose fertilisers rich in potassium, which help strengthen the roots and make the lawn more resistant to the cold.
Weed control: remove weeds manually or use natural herbicides to keep the lawn free from competition with other plants.
5. Autumn lighting
To make the most of the garden during shorter days, consider investing in outdoor lighting. Lanterns, solar lights, and small candles are ideal for creating a welcoming atmosphere.
LED and solar lights: install LED or solar lights in strategic points, such as pathways and gathering areas. These systems are economical and add security to the space.
Decorative lighting: for a special touch, add lanterns or small hanging lights in trees. This lighting creates a cosy atmosphere, perfect for autumn evenings.
6. Preparing for winter
Although autumn is mild, it’s important to start preparing the garden for winter. Cover more delicate plants with suitable materials, such as thermal blankets, to protect them from low temperatures and keep the soil moist but well-drained.
Covering delicate plants: use straw or pine bark around the roots of more fragile plants, such as roses and tropical shrubs.
Pots and planters: if you have potted plants, move them to a more sheltered location or protect them with fabrics or appropriate covers.
Enjoy autumn in your garden
With a few simple tips, you can transform your garden and enjoy the beauty of this season. Not only will you breathe new life into your outdoor space, but you will also feel more connected with nature and ready to welcome winter with a well-cared-for garden. And for nature lovers, autumn is an invitation to appreciate the unique colours and textures of this time of year, fully enjoying your garden.