We might still be enjoying the last weeks of summer, but autumn is already on the horizon – and there’s plenty to look forward to in the garden.
From vibrant foliage to late-season flowers, a little preparation now can help your garden look its best in the months ahead. Luckily, there are a few simple jobs you can get started on right away.
'Preparing your garden for autumn doesn't have to involve lots of time or effort. In fact, a few simple jobs done now can make a big difference to how your garden looks over the coming weeks,' says Eve Kerrigan, content creator for British Garden Centres.
We asked experts for their top tips on how to easily get your garden ready for autumn.
1) Do less tidying
'One of the most overlooked jobs at this time of year is actually doing less tidying. Leaving a small corner of your garden slightly wild, whether that's a patch of longer grass, seed heads or fading perennials, creates valuable shelter and food sources for birds, bees and other wildlife as autumn approaches. It's a minimal-effort change that can have a huge impact on biodiversity,' says Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys.
2) Start collecting rainwater
'If you're looking for a genuinely low-effort job with long-term benefits, start collecting rainwater now. Even placing a simple water butt under a downpipe can help you build up a free supply of water for containers and borders, while making your garden more resilient during periods of unpredictable weather,' says Luke.
Read more: 3 easy ways to collect, store and reuse rainwater in your garden
3) Reposition your garden furniture
'I'd also encourage homeowners to think about repositioning outdoor seating rather than packing it away immediately. As the sun sits lower in the sky during autumn, moving a bench or bistro set to catch the afternoon light can instantly make your garden feel more usable for longer, without spending a penny on improvements,' says Luke.
4) Deadhead spent flowers
'Another quick win is to deadhead spent flowers and cut back any faded or untidy perennial plants with a pair of sharp secateurs. Varieties such as hardy geraniums, catmint (Nepeta), and delphiniums often benefit from a tidy-up at this time of year. Removing old flower stems and tired foliage not only keeps borders looking neat and attractive but can encourage fresh growth and, in some cases, a second flush of flowers,' says Eve.
5) Collect seeds for next year
'If your flowers have finished blooming, collect and label their seeds before storing them somewhere cool and dry. It's an easy way to grow more of your favourite plants next year without spending a penny,' says Amber Tunney, plant buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.
6) Look after local wildlife
'Take a few minutes to clean bird feeders and bird baths to help prevent the spread of disease. Keeping them topped up with fresh food and water will encourage birds to continue visiting your garden as the seasons change,' says Amber.
