Autumn is the gardener's secret season. While the garden looks like it is winding down, it is actually the ideal time to do some of the most impactful work of the year — planting spring bulbs, renovating the lawn, dividing perennials and preparing new beds. What you do now determines how the garden looks next spring and summer.
Lawn Renovation
Autumn is the best time of year to carry out lawn renovation work. Scarify to remove thatch, aerate with a hollow-tine fork and overseed bare patches. Apply an autumn lawn feed to encourage root growth over winter.
- Scarify using a powered scarifier for best results
- Hollow-tine aerate in compacted areas
- Overseed thin patches with a matching grass seed
- Apply autumn lawn fertiliser (low nitrogen, high phosphate)
- Top dress with a sandy loam mix to improve surface levels
Planting and Dividing
Plant spring bulbs from September to November — tulips do best planted in November to avoid tulip fire disease. Divide overgrown clumps of perennials and replant in improved soil. Plant new trees, shrubs and hedging from October.
End-of-Season Clearance
Cut back summer perennials that have died back, but leave ornamental grasses and plants with good seedheads for winter interest and wildlife. Clear and compost summer bedding and annual plants. Lift and store dahlias after the first frost.
A&T Landscapes provides full autumn garden preparation services across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Book your autumn work now — call 07735 916029.