Summer is coming to an end, and your garden has endured a lot over the past months. There might be brown patches in the lawn, most plants have finished blooming, and the overall look may seem a bit faded. But the end of summer does not mean the end of garden life. Here are some tips to refresh your garden and prepare it for a beautiful late season.
Remove Dead Flowers
After a whole summer of blooming, some plants may look wilted and messy. Pruning dead flowers and branches helps the plant focus its energy on new growth. Use sharp pruning shears to remove wilted flowers from your roses and other perennial summer plants. Do the same with annual bedding plants so they don’t set seed and continue to bloom vigorously, often well into autumn.
Enrich the Soil
The summer months can deplete the soil. Add compost or organic fertilizers to replenish the nutrients. This gives your plants the nutrition they need to enter autumn strong.
Mulch
A fresh layer of mulch works wonders for your garden. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and give your garden a well-tended appearance. A layer of wood chips or leaves about 6 to 7 cm thick is perfect.
Aerate the Lawn
Aerate your lawn by making small holes to allow water and nutrients to reach the roots better. Aerators come in various types, including lawnmowers with an aeration function. The end of summer is also the time to quickly oversee any bare patches.
Plant Bulbs
From September to December, you can plant bulbs of spring bloomers. By planting tulips, daffodils, and crocuses now, you give the bulbs a chance to establish and surprise you with the first flowers of the new garden season in early spring.
Divide Perennials
If you have perennials that have become too large, now is the time to divide and replant them. This way, you can fill new areas of your garden with your favourite plants at no extra cost.
Check for Diseases and Pests
The warm months are a breeding ground for insect pests and diseases. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of trouble – such as yellow leaves, holes in leaves, or spots – and treat them as needed. Preferably use organic pesticides. These break down naturally and are friendlier to plants and animal life in your garden.
Add Autumn Blooming Plants
Bring new life and colour to your garden with plants that look their best in autumn. Think of chrysanthemums, asters, and autumn asters. Autumn bloomers keep your garden vibrant and blooming well into the fall.
Install Patio Heating
Just because the days are getting shorter and the evenings cooler doesn’t mean the outdoor living has to end. With patio heating, you can extend the season by months. Read here how to easily install patio heating yourself.
Create a Garden Plan
Looking back on the summer, you can see what went well and what didn’t this year. Make a plan for the new season so there’s even more to enjoy in your garden next summer.
