Creating a spectacular show next spring involves plenty of preparation, so here is our list of essential autumn garden maintenance tasks.
When vibrant greenery begins fading into golden hues, experienced gardeners in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire know that it is time to start getting busy. With the prospect of crisp mornings and blustery storms, the final quarter of the year is all about protecting, pruning and planning.
At Flower & Stone, we’ve put together a guide to the essential autumn garden tasks that will keep your garden healthy and ready to flourish next spring.
Collect fallen leaves
While leaves can create a beautiful seasonal carpet, they can also smother your lawn and harbour garden pests. Keep your lawn clear to allow moisture to drain away and sunlight to keep the grass healthy. Get into a routine of raking leaves up regularly, so you can compost them into leaf mould – a nutrient-rich soil improver for your flower beds.
Cut back perennial plants
Prune back faded perennials and remove dead plant material to reduce the risk of disease. However, consider leaving some seed heads and ornamental grasses in place – as they provide winter interest and food for native birds. Do your research on the best approach for individual plants, such as consulting the RHS website.
Autumn lawn care
In the home counties, we rarely get cold weather before Christmas so expect to keep mowing the lawn into late November or even December. Remember to keep the grass slightly longer to protect it from frost. Drainage is the name of the game to avoid patches of moss, so use a fork to aerate the soil. In warmer weather, the grass will still be growing so you can apply lawn feed to help strengthen the roots and help your grass survive the colder months.
Plant your spring bulbs
A traditional autumn garden task is the planting of daffodils, tulips, crocuses and alliums. Hertfordshire’s soil is generally well-suited to bulbs, but make sure to plant them at the recommended depth for the best spring displays.
Protect tender plants
Move tender potted plants, such as olives, agapanthus or citrus, into sheltered spots or greenhouses. Wrap containers in fleece or hessian for insulation, and add mulch around the base of shrubs to protect the roots from frost.
Prune shrubs and trees
Many deciduous shrubs and trees benefit from light pruning, a key element of tidying up your autumn garden. Remove damaged or crossing branches to improve airflow and shape. Be mindful not to prune spring-flowering varieties, as you may remove next year’s buds.
Clean and store garden furniture
The autumn garden should see patio furniture and other items packed away or covered up, including barbecues, firepits and outdoor play equipment. Cleaning and storing these items properly will help extend their lifespan, ensuring they are clean and ready for next summer.
Prepare winter wildlife habitats
Encourage biodiversity by creating leaf piles for hedgehogs, topping up bird feeders and adding bug hotels. A wildlife-friendly garden will thrive all year and bring extra life to your outdoor space. We recommend investing in a bird feeder that is visible from your kitchen window.
Plan ahead for next spring
Take time to reflect on what worked well in your garden this year and where you would like to make improvements. Autumn is ideal for planning hard landscaping projects, such as patios or pergolas, so they’re ready to enjoy next year.
Final autumn garden thoughts
Creating a list of essential autumn garden tasks is about care and preparation. By taking these steps now, you’ll protect your plants, encourage wildlife and set the stage for a beautiful spring. At Flower & Stone, we’re here to support homeowners across Hertfordshire with expert design and landscaping services tailored to the seasons. Contact us today.