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Gardeners
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As quickly as it arrives, you blink and summer is on its way out once again. This year we’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy sunny days and soak up many moments spent outside in our green spaces - but all good things must come to an end.
The end of summer does, however, signal the arrival of autumn - as we welcome back those wonderfully cosy months where leaves fall to the ground and crunch underneath our feet. The colder months can, of course, be much harsher on our gardens, so it’s time to start thinking about what you can be doing now to get ready for autumn.
It’s been a long, hot and dry summer, so it’s only natural that there’s going to be some clearing that must be done before you can welcome the new season. Spend some time removing dead plants, faded flowers and any weeds that have wriggled their way in. This will tidy up your beds, remove any pests and prevent diseases from spreading.
The colder weather is undoubtedly coming, so mulching is a pretty important measure to take in your autumn prep. It will protect plant roots from frost, keep moisture in the soil, as well as help suppress weeds. You can use organic mulch such as bark, compost or shredded leaves, spreading it around trees, shrubs and flower beds.
If you’re feeling organised, now’s a good time to think ahead and start planting bulbs such as daffodils and tulips into the ground. They’ll lie dormant throughout autumn and winter, ready to bring colour to your garden once spring arrives next year. It’s a small price now for a stunning reward later.
Do your bit for your garden by cutting back tired perennials like hostas or peonies. But make sure you leave some seed heads for the birds that visit your green space, providing them with food to enjoy during the colder months.
When considering where to dispose of leaves, naturally, you’d most likely turn your attention to the bin. However, a great tip to remember whilst prepping for autumn is to gather them into a leaf mould instead, making for a great soil conditioner. Simply bag them up and put them in the corner; Mother Nature will take care of the rest for you.