As autumn settles in, gardeners are advised to focus on pruning three key plants this October to ensure a healthy garden next spring. Herbologist Maya Jayaweera Thomas recommends giving sage a 'haircut' at the end of summer, drying bunches for use in simple syrups that ease coughs and colds. Pruning back tender-leaved perennials, often discounted at nurseries now, can also encourage a final flourish of foliage for culinary use.
Hardy annuals such as nigella, poppies, nasturtiums, sweet peas, cornflowers and Ammi majus should be sown now for a crop of summer flowers. Sowing in autumn allows sturdy seedlings to develop, providing blooms to cut in spring and summer, with a second chance to sow if they fail.
Landscape designer Tom Massey advises capturing rainwater by disconnecting downpipes and installing water butts or harvesting tanks. With an overflow system in place, this stores precious rain for drier periods. Some councils offer free water butts, or secondhand options can be found online.
Susanna Grant of planting design consultancy Linda suggests using this time to review the garden's performance, noting what worked and what to change. Looking back at photos helps remember highs and lows before growth resumes in spring.
For wildlife support, floral artist Hazel Gardiner recommends decorative bird feeders, which combine aesthetics with biodiversity support through winter. Autumn is also ideal for planting trees, choosing those offering year-round interest from spring blossom to autumn colour.
