As the leaves start to fall and the evenings grow cooler, now is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the changing season. At Wicked Gardens, we help homeowners across London and the South East make the most of their outdoor spaces all year round. Autumn is more than just a time to pack up the BBQ — it’s a key opportunity to strengthen, tidy, and plan for the months ahead.

🍂 Why Autumn Matters in Garden Care

Autumn is the garden’s cool-down period. The summer growth spurt slows, and the soil remains warm enough to support key tasks like planting, pruning, and preparing for winter.

Here’s how you can make the most of it:

✅ 1. Clear Leaves and Debris

While the colours might be beautiful, fallen leaves can quickly become soggy and slippery. Regular raking helps prevent fungal diseases, improves air circulation, and keeps your lawn healthy.

Wicked Tip: Leave a few piles of leaves in tucked-away spots to provide shelter for hedgehogs and insects over winter.

✅ 2. Prune, Cut Back & Divide Perennials

Autumn is the ideal time to cut back tired perennials and divide overgrown plants like hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses. Pruning also helps prevent wind damage and keeps your borders tidy.

Wicked Tip: Always use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging plant stems or spreading disease.

✅ 3. Plant for Spring

Bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses should be planted in autumn for a vibrant spring display. The soil is still warm enough for root development, and you’ll thank yourself when colour bursts forth in early spring.

Wicked Tip: Use layers of bulbs (a technique called “lasagne planting”) in pots or borders for a longer blooming period.

✅ 4. Protect Garden Furniture and Features

If you’ve invested in garden furniture or wooden structures, autumn is the time to clean, cover, or treat them with weatherproof sealants.

Wicked Tip: Consider adding a pergola or shelter to enjoy your garden even during light rain or colder months — something our landscaping team can help with!

✅ 5. Mulch & Feed

A layer of mulch not only keeps weeds down and moisture in, but it also protects plant roots from frost. Use compost, bark, or leaf mould to improve soil condition over the winter.

Wicked Tip: Give your lawn and beds a low-nitrogen autumn feed to strengthen roots without encouraging too much soft top growth.

🌿 Need a Hand? That’s What We’re Here For

Preparing your garden for autumn can be time-consuming — especially if you’re not sure where to begin. At Wicked Gardens, we offer seasonal garden maintenance packages to ensure your garden transitions smoothly into the colder months.

From professional pruning to laying down protective mulch, our local team knows exactly what your outdoor space needs. Whether you’re in Lewisham, Dulwich, Greenwich, or beyond, we’re here to help.

📞 Get in Touch with Wicked Gardens

Let’s get your garden autumn-ready. We offer everything from one-off tidy-ups to fully bespoke landscaping solutions across London.

📞 Phone: 020 8244 7700
📧 Email: info@wickedgardens.co.uk