As the last days of summer will quietly fade into golden evenings and crisp mornings, your garden and outdoor space start whispering for a little attention. 

Autumn has its own kind of beauty – amber leaves, soft light, and the perfect excuse to wrap up in a blanket with a hot drink outside. But before you start hibernating entirely, a bit of preparation can go a long way in keeping your outdoor space looking lovely (and functional) through the season.

Whether you’re a green-fingered garden lover or someone who just enjoys a tidy patio for the occasional cuppa, here’s your friendly guide to getting your outdoor space autumn-ready – no boring checklists, we promise.

Tidy Up Without Going Full Marie Kondo

Let’s start with the obvious but often avoided task: the autumn tidy. 

Leaves are beautiful – until they clog your gutters or turn your garden path into a slip-and-slide. A good rake-up once a week is enough to keep things safe and looking sharp.

Deadheading summer blooms and trimming back tired plants is also worth doing now. This helps your greenery conserve energy over the colder months, and it gives your beds a fresh canvas for any autumn planting. 

However, don’t feel like you need to go overboard. Nature is a bit messy this time of year – you’re just helping it along.

Top Tip: Don’t throw all those leaves away. Pile them up in a quiet corner to make leaf mould – nature’s compost gold for next spring!

Autumn Colour Isn’t Just for Trees

Think the flowering season is over? Think again. 

There are plenty of hardy flowers that thrive in cooler temperatures. Chrysanthemums, cyclamen, pansies, and heather can all add instant pops of colour to borders, planters, and window boxes.

If you’ve got the space, ornamental grasses are great too – they catch the low autumn light beautifully and give your garden that wild, whimsical vibe (without needing much upkeep).

Pro Tip: Stick to seasonal tones – purples, deep reds, oranges, and whites – to really embrace the autumn aesthetic.

Keep the Cosy Vibes Going

Your outdoor space doesn’t need to go into hibernation just because the temperature drops. With a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy crisp evenings and weekend afternoons without dashing back indoors after five minutes.

Start with lighting – string up some warm fairy lights, add a lantern or two, and maybe even try solar-powered path lights to create a welcoming glow.

Next up, think textiles. Outdoor rugs, waterproof cushions, and fleece throws go a long way in making your seating area inviting. And if you’re really feeling the chill, a small chiminea or fire pit (used safely, of course) makes a stunning and functional centrepiece.

Show Some Love to Your Awning or Pergola

If you’ve got an awning, pergola, or canopy structure, now’s the time to check in on its health. Autumn brings rain, wind, and the occasional surprise frost – and any structure that lives outdoors all year deserves a little maintenance TLC.

For awnings, give the fabric a gentle clean with warm soapy water and make sure it’s fully dry before retracting to avoid mould. For pergolas, check wooden beams for signs of rot or water damage and consider giving them a fresh coat of weatherproofing treatment.

Quick Hack: If your pergola has climbing plants like wisteria or vines, trim them back so they don’t trap moisture or add extra weight when the autumn rains hit.

Prepare Your Lawn for the Cold

Your grass might still be green, but now’s the moment to prepare it for the colder months. Start by giving it a final mow (a little longer than usual – about 4cm is ideal) and aerate it if you can to help with drainage.

A gentle autumn lawn feed can help strengthen roots for the winter ahead. And while you’re at it, clear any moss or weeds that may have crept in over summer. Come spring, your lawn will be thanking you.

Furniture: Clean It, Cover It, or Bring It In

Garden furniture is one of those things we often forget about until we uncover a mildew-covered chair next April. Avoid the heartbreak and get ahead of the game.

Wipe down tables, chairs, and benches with warm soapy water, and let them dry completely. If you’ve got room in a shed or garage, store them away. If not, invest in some waterproof covers – they’ll protect your furniture from the worst of the weather and extend its life.

Think Ahead: Autumn Planting Pays Off

Believe it or not, autumn is a brilliant time to plant – especially if you want a garden that bursts into life come spring. Now’s the perfect time to pop bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses into the ground.

It’s also a good season to plant trees and shrubs, as the cooler weather helps them establish roots without the stress of summer sun. You won’t see instant results, but you’ll be smug when everything blooms beautifully in March.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It You

Your outdoor space doesn’t need to be perfect – it just needs to work for you. Whether you want a garden that still looks good from the kitchen window or a space to enjoy hot chocolate under a blanket, a little effort now goes a long way.

Autumn doesn’t mean goodbye to outdoor living – it’s just a change of pace. Embrace the season, prep your space, and enjoy every crisp, golden day while it lasts.

If you would like any more information or have any questions regarding our ranges of awnings and pergolas, then please contact us. Our friendly, yet professional team is always more than happy to help. Alternatively, you can also arrange a home visit for a time that works best for you in one of the many areas we cover.