Give your garden an autumn refresh

Deadhead any flowering plants, and cut back roses to allow them to bloom again. Rake up leaves and clear beds of weeds and debris. A good clear out of any dead or dying plants will allow the autumn flowering plants to thrive.

A trip round your local garden centre will give you a good idea about what is in bloom at this time of year. Dahlias, Violas, Rudbeckia and Asters will all bring vibrant colour to your outside space. Look for shrubs and trees with colourful foliage, such as Euonymus, Cotinus and Acers which will keep the garden looking cheerful well into the winter months.

You can add splashes of colour all around your outdoor space, including on your front doorstep, on a patio or a balcony using pots and containers. Beautiful bedding plants such as Pansies, Violas and Cyclamen come in an amazing range of hues and will brighten up any area.

While summer is still fresh in your mind, make a note of what has done well this year and what has struggled, which areas of your garden need more work and where there are gaps in your planting. Plan ahead for next year if you are thinking about planting bulbs or growing from seeds.

It can feel strange thinking about daffodils and tulips in autumn, but now is the time to get your bulbs in the ground if you want a garden bursting with beautiful spring flowers next year.  Choose bulbs that will flower at different times, from the earliest daffodils to late-flowering tulips and alliums, to ensure the season is filled with colour. Read our guide to spring flowering bulbs for more information.

Winter can be a tough time for birds looking for food to survive the colder months, so consider planting trees and shrubs rich in berries and attractive to pollinating insects. Some careful planting can provide an autumn and winter larder to help our feathered friends thrive.

Plant or sow winter crops in autumn to enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables over winter and into early spring. Winter lettuces, onions, garlic, rocket, radishes and broad beans will all do well.

Adding plenty of peat free organic matter to your garden in autumn will hold in moisture and goodness, and help plants to thrive. Homemade or shop-bought compost is ideal for this, as is well-rotted manure. Mulching will also help retain water and suppress weeds in your beds and borders. At Notcutts we have a wide range of peat free options to help your garden thrive.

Autumn lawns can start to look a bit shabby, especially if the summer has been a warm dry one. The cooler weather makes autumn the perfect time to give your lawn a bit of attention. Rake up any dead leaves and moss in the lawn to prevent it becoming waterlogged. Scarify with a lawn rake to remove dead grass and moss and let air and light in. Use a lawn treatment and repair bare patches with grass seed to keep your lawn looking lovely for the rest of the season.