The evenings are drawing in and there’s a distinct chill to the air in the mornings now that indicates just one thing – autumn is very much here! For people who love spending time in their garden, either relaxing with a book or putting their green fingers to work, the arrival of autumn means it’s time to start preparing the garden for winter. We’ve broken down some of those end of summer chores into different areas of the garden, so that you can get cracking on that to do list when the September sun shows its face.
BORDERS AND POTS
The days are now much shorter than they were a month ago, and that means cooler temperatures and less sunshine. Growth will slow down and annual plants and flowers can be removed once they finish their ‘show’. Perennials should be cut back ready for winter and spring bulbs, such as tulips, crocuses and daffodils, can be planted so that they are ready to put on a beautiful display in a few months’ time. More exotic and delicate plants may need to be protected from frosts and moved into a greenhouse or conservatory until spring.
LAWNS
Autumn is a good time to review your lawn and see if you need to apply any fertiliser or grass seed before the cooler weather arrives. Cutting edges in as grass growth slows will help the lawned areas of your garden stay looking smart until spring. Check the grass for any weeds and moss and ensure that you clear damp fallen leaves from the lawns. Ensuring that you rake or hoover up dead leaves has an additional benefit – it also means you can see where steps, slopes and edges are, keeping you safe from falls and slips.
DECKING AND PATHS
Check any decking you have is in good shape and hasn’t been damaged or rotted since it was installed. You can also examine the pointing in any paved areas to see if any of it needs mending, and spray weeds that are forcing their way between slabs. Scrubbing paving and decking with water and a stiff brush will help remove dirt, highlight moss that needs treating and make them easier to walk on when the frost arrives.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Autumn is a good time to check metal and wooden outdoor furniture for rot and rust. If there are any weak areas on the furniture then it will need some TLC before the rain, frost and damp of winter arrives. Some type of outdoor furniture (rattan and wicker in particular) will also need to be stored in a shed or garage during the cooler months of the year or carefully covered up. POLYWOOD outdoor furniture is unique in that it is 100% weather-proof, meaning that it won’t warp, fade, split, crack or rust even when exposed to snow, ice and strong sunlight. It won’t need painting or oiling in spring to stay looking great, so all you need to do is wait for the warm weather to come back around so you can once again enjoy relaxing in your garden.
