As the days shorten and the air cools, Autumn is the perfect season to refresh your garden and prepare it for the months ahead. Landscape gardener Bradley Burgess shares his expert advice on how to make the most of this time of year – from planting and pruning to boosting colour and structure.

Planting Season Begins

The bareroot and root ball season is just around the corner, making autumn an ideal time to plant trees, hedges, shrubs, perennials, grasses and bulbs. Getting them in the ground now allows roots to establish before spring growth begins.

It’s also the best moment to tuck your spring-flowering bulbs into borders and pots. Daffodils, tulips, crocuses and more will reward you with colour early next year. Remember: plant bulbs at a depth of roughly three times their size, in free-draining soil. If your soil is heavy, mix in some horticultural grit.

Refreshing Perennials

Many perennials benefit from attention in autumn. Lift and divide overcrowded clumps to rejuvenate them, and cut back most varieties to ground level. Add a generous layer of mulch afterwards to insulate roots and improve the soil.

But don’t be too tidy – leave any seed heads, stems or ornamental structures that add winter interest or provide food and shelter for wildlife. These can be cut back in late winter or early spring.

Autumn Shrubs

Autumn isn’t just about trees. Many shrubs put on a fiery display, with deciduous varieties glowing before their leaves drop. Others continue to flower well into the season, while berry-laden shrubs bring colour and attract hungry birds.

For an instant boost, plant flowering shrubs in borders or containers now. Popular long-flowering choices like salvias and fuchsias will keep colour going from summer right into autumn.

Perennials for Autumn Colour

Borders can look tired at the end of summer, but autumn-flowering plants bring them back to life. Top picks include:

Japanese Anemones – tall, elegant flowers in shades of pink and white, lasting until the first frosts.

Asters and Sedums – perfect for late-season pollinators.

Salvias and Fuchsias – extend the flowering season right into October.

Looking ahead, plan for next year by sowing annuals such as cup-and-saucer vine in spring, planting dahlia tubers, and adding autumn bulbs like nerines in early summer.

Ornamental Grasses

As summer fades, ornamental grasses shine. Their golden tones and airy seed heads bring movement, sound and texture to the garden – especially when backlit by autumn sunlight.

Whether planted in borders, containers or naturalistic settings, grasses adapt to many conditions (sunny or shady, damp or dry) and offer year-round structure.

Climbers for Autumn Planting

Autumn is also a good time to establish climbers. Options include:

Virginia Creeper & Boston Ivy – for dramatic autumn leaf colour.

Climbing Hydrangea – with attractive foliage and late blooms.

Hardy Clematis & Honeysuckle – which settle in well before winter.

Evergreen choices like Star Jasmine or Persian Ivy for year-round coverage.

Take Cuttings

It’s not too late to take cuttings. Use healthy, non-flowering shoots, a sharp knife, and peat-free compost mixed with grit or perlite. Keep humidity high, and many plants will root successfully and overwinter without fuss.

Make the Most of Autumn Leaves

The colourful carpet of fallen leaves is one of the season’s joys – but don’t just sweep them away. Use them to enrich your soil. Add them to the compost heap or create your own leaf mould for a natural, nutrient-rich mulch. Alternatives like liquid seaweed or bone meal are also excellent for improving soil health.

Final Thought

Autumn is a season of transition, but also of opportunity. By planting, pruning, mulching and planning now, you set the stage for a vibrant and resilient garden in the months to come.

For more information visit Bradley Burgess Design.