Well it's definitely getting on for autumn,now:just look at the cardigan you're wearing or the sullen clouds in the sky.And as a result,keen homeowners will be looking out for a dry weekend in which to get outside and get their garden in order for winter.
Because as one expert notes,autumnal gardening is all about preparing for the frosts to come.While root vegetables and the odd hardy evergreen will flourish as the mercury starts to dip,a lot of gardening at this time of year is about maintenance,odd jobs and preparation.
"So much of autumn gardening is about preparing for winter,whilst eking out the last few warm days of summer,"says Barry Burrows,spokesperson for Bartholomewlandscaping.com."Flexibility is the key-know what you have to do,and be prepared to do it at short notice if the weather turns cold.Plant bulbs for spring now,December is too late.Don't cut all herbaceous plants back in autumn,some have good winter structure and will need cutting back in the spring."
And there's a little back-breaking work necessary,too,to make sure your garden is at its best come the spring:the expert noted that falling leaves can be a hazard in your outdoor spaces.Not only do build-ups of dead leaves create a slippery surface on which to walk and a haven for various creatures,but wet leaves can kill lawns and leave permanent stains on your paving.
So it's important to get out there with a rake or garden fork to clear up those leaves and either put them in your green waste or leave them to compost.With the evenings getting shorter,homeowners should make the most of what little light there is,but if you find a little more time is needed to rake up all of the leaves then outdoor lighting is a must.
It needn't be installed in your lawn:porch lights mounted on walls and strong floodlights fitted to a patio can equally illuminate your outdoor space,leaving you more time in the day to get your garden winter-ready.
