Autumn brings cooler temperatures and shorter days, which may leave you with less time and inclination to be outdoors. It can also be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the only thing autumn is good for is to prep for winter. The truth is though, while winter prep is important, it shouldn’t overshadow the all the gorgeous, vibrant and interesting things your autumn garden has to offer!
Getting the most out of your autumn garden
Planting: Autumn is a good time to plant trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants because the soil is still warm enough, and there will have been enough good rain to encourage root establishment. You can choose plants that are autumn-flowering to enjoy now, or frost-tolerant ones to establish.
Caring for your plants: Once flowering is finished it’s time to prune! Different plants have different needs, so if you’re not sure how much to take off you can talk to one of our plant experts at Iconic Outdoors. Make sure to stake any climbing plants and tie them securely so they don’t get knocked down in the coming winds.
Seeds: As plants go to seed, they can be just as beautiful and interesting as when they’re flowering. You can either leave them in the garden to enjoy, or cut the stems and dry them to create autumnal displays within your home. Collecting and storing seeds can also be immensely satisfying, especially in a few years when you’re planting from your stores.
Getting your winter prep started
Fertilising: Digging garden beds is one of those things that is best done early. This breaks up and aerates the soil as well as digging up any lingering weeds. Adding organic matter to soil improves drainage, fertility and soil structure. Choose weed free materials such as pea or oaten straw along with compost or manure.
Two things to note about manure: 1. It must first be aged (which is how nursery’s sell it) so that it doesn’t burn your plants or spread weed seeds; and 2. It needs to be dug into the soil quickly. It will quickly lose nitrogen if left on the soil’s surface, leaving you with nothing but a bad smell.
Compost: Empty your bin of the well-rotted compost and use it to dig into your beds. This will free up space in your bin for anything you clear out of your garden now, as well as enrich your soil. If you don’t have much compost, it’s better to focus on a smaller area instead of spreading what you do have too thinly.
Compost needs the right balance of green and brown material. Green material is garden and grass clippings, veggie scraps and green leaves, while brown material consists of things like damp cardboard, shredded paper, hay, mulch and autumn leaves. The right balance is two parts brown material to one part green, so rake up those autumn leaves and add them in! This has the added bonus of keeping your lawn healthy, as clumps of damp leaves can kill off your grass in just a day or two.
If you’re new to gardening, or just don’t have the time, Iconic Outdoors is here to help! Our experts can come and consult with you to find out what your garden needs, and help you create a haven for you and your family to enjoy all through autumn and winter. Contact us today on (02) 6360 1001 to find out more.
Need some more inspiration?
Our tips & advice answer some frequently asked questions and we’re here to help you get started whenever you’re ready.