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It’s that time of year when flowers start to wilt, and bright, vibrant colours fade into what seems like a hundred shades of brown. If your garden is looking a little sad, there are ways to turn your outdoor space into a heavenly autumn/winter haven. Here are some top tips to take your garden from drab to fab.
Tending to your lawn
Many of us are guilty of lavishing our lawns with love and attention in the spring and summer, only to desert them when they need us most. As temperatures plunge, it’s tempting to spend all your time snuggled up in front of the fire, but try not to forget about your garden. Keep an eye on the grass, trim the edges and mow the lawn on a regular basis and try and make sure that you choose a dry day. If you start to notice patches developing, or the grass is thin or weak, you can look at products from companies like The Grass People to boost growth, fertilise the ground and reduce the risk of weeds growing. If it’s muddy outside following heavy downpours, try and discourage pets and children from running around on the grass for a couple of days to allow it to recover.
Planting
Most of us go all-out to impress in the warmer months, and our planters and flower beds are awash with flashes of vivid colour when the skies are blue and the sun is shining. Sadly, when it starts to get cooler and the sun sets in the afternoon, our gardens can lose their gloss. If you find that your garden looks dull in the autumn and winter months, you can inject vibrancy and colour with flowers that bloom later in the year, rockery shrubs and trees that keep their leaves. Examples of late-flowering plants include crocuses, pansies, cyclamen, asters, dahlias and heather. You can fill flower beds with plants, build a rockery with stones and shrubs, adorn patios or doorways with potted trees or fill planters. Planters are versatile, and you can buy a huge range of styles to suit every garden. From rustic baskets to industrial-style, contemporary concrete pots, there’s something for everyone.
All-weather entertaining
For many of us, there’s nothing more wonderful than inviting friends over for a barbecue at the weekend or having a drink with family on a hazy summer evening after work. When temperatures start to drop, we tend to flock indoors, and we don’t make the most of the outdoor space we have. The key to creating a more versatile garden lies in catering to the conditions, especially during the current situation. If you love to spend time outdoors, or you enjoy inviting people over, you can take full advantage of your garden all year-round by adding a few weather-proof features. Investing in an awning or a gazebo will provide shelter from the rain, and you can keep cosy with a fire pit, a patio heater or plenty of blankets and outdoor cushions. You can also add lighting to help you see in the dark and create a comfortable place to sit, dine or enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of tea. Go for floor cushions, bean bags or benches for a laid-back, casual vibe, or a sofa set or dining table and chairs for a chic, sophisticated look.
The autumn and winter months can be a tricky time for gardeners, but you don’t have to bid farewell to your garden until spring. There are ways to look after your garden and to make it look vibrant and welcoming. Take these tips on board to create a beautiful haven you can retreat to come rain or shine.
