Your essential post-summer garden guide

Summer may have drawn to a close, but your garden will still be carrying the signs of those long, busy months. After weeks of games on the lawn, gatherings on the patio and flowerbeds bursting with growth, your outdoor space might now be looking a little tired. The good news is that autumn is the ideal season to restore order, strengthen your garden and set the stage for a beautiful year ahead.

By investing a little time now, you can protect your garden from the worst of the winter weather and make sure it’s ready to flourish when spring returns. Here, Cheryl Harper, Managing Director of Greensleeves Lawn Care, shares her expert advice on how to give your outdoor space the care it needs.

Freshen up borders and beds

Summer often leaves behind a mixture of overgrown plants, tired flowers and wilting foliage. Tidying borders now makes all the difference. Cut back dead or diseased growth to prevent problems from spreading and to create a cleaner, more structured appearance. Edging the borders neatly also gives your garden an instant lift.

This is also the perfect moment to look ahead to spring. Planting bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and crocuses in autumn means you’ll enjoy a burst of colour as soon as the weather warms up. Shrubs and hedges benefit from a gentle trim at this time of year too. Not only does this keep them looking neat through the colder months, but it also encourages healthy regrowth when the new season begins.

Protect hard landscaping

It’s easy to focus only on plants and grass, but patios, decking and pathways take just as much of a beating. After months of use, these surfaces can collect moss, algae and general grime. If left untreated, they quickly become slippery and unsafe as temperatures drop and damp conditions set in. Giving them a thorough clean now not only improves safety but also revives the appearance of your garden.

For those who’d prefer a professional finish, Greensleeves offers a hard-surface cleaning service that can bring patios and paths back to life. Once everything is sparkling, it’s worth checking for signs of wear and tear too. Wooden decking may need resealing to protect it from frost and damp, and gates or fences should be inspected for damage to ensure they stand strong throughout winter storms.

Winter-ready home touches

A well-cared-for garden isn’t just about plants and lawns – your outdoor space works best when the practical details are covered too. Autumn is a smart time to get ahead of those small jobs around the home that can save you hassle in the middle of winter. Clearing gutters and downpipes of fallen leaves will prevent blockages, while checking windows and doors for draughts can make your home warmer and more energy efficient.

Don’t forget your sheds and storage areas. A quick tidy-up now will make sure they’re fit to protect tools, furniture and equipment. Moving furniture into sheltered spaces not only prolongs its lifespan but also prevents your garden from feeling cluttered once the growing season ends.

Revive your lawn

Lawns are often the hardest-working part of the garden and, after a summer of barbecues, ball games and family picnics, they can look a little worse for wear. Grass growth will naturally slow in the colder months, but it’s still important to give it a trim – just avoid mowing if it’s frosty or waterlogged, and keep the blades slightly longer than in summer to protect them from the cold. Start with a simple rake to remove fallen leaves and debris, which prevents moss and fungal growth from taking hold.

An autumn feed is also invaluable at this stage. By strengthening the roots and boosting resilience, it helps your lawn not just survive winter but thrive when spring arrives. With the right preparation, you’ll notice your lawn bouncing back greener and healthier than before.

Plan ahead for spring

Autumn really is the season of preparation. By refreshing borders, protecting hard landscaping, storing away equipment and caring for your lawn, you’re building resilience into your garden. Come spring, you won’t face a mountain of work – your outdoor space will be healthy, tidy and ready to burst back into colour, making it easier to enjoy those first warm days without the stress of a big clear-up.

While summer may be over, your garden’s story doesn’t stop here. With a little seasonal care, you can set it up for success in the months ahead. And if your lawn needs an extra helping hand, Greensleeves’ autumn treatments are designed to repair the signs of summer and protect against the challenges of winter. It’s the best way to ensure your grass stays strong, green and healthy until brighter days return.

For further information about Greensleeves and how they can help you with your lawn care, visit www.greensleeves-uk.com