Edith Hejberg
A simple soil test can reveal whether you have sand, clay, or loam. For tricky conditions, raised beds let you choose the growing medium.
As summer winds down, your garden doesn’t have to lose its sparkle. With a few smart tweaks, from crisping up lawn edges to layering bulbs for spring, you can give your outdoor space a boost without major upheaval.
1. Start with a Simple Tidy-Up
You don’t always need to rip everything out and start again. A good clear-up, cutting lawn edges, sweeping leaves, and removing tired plants, can transform a garden’s look.
Crisp edges create instant order, while deadheading flowers helps them bloom again. Keep attractive seedheads for winter interest.
2. Refresh Boundaries for a Big Impact
Neat paths and fresh fences instantly elevate a space. Sweep and scrub paving, replace or repaint sad-looking fences, and aim for a uniform colour on all walls and boundaries.
Gravel can cover cracked paving, encourage self-seeding plants, and outlast decking.
3. Work with the Light
Plant for your garden’s sun and shade patterns. Mediterranean species thrive in hot, dry spots; ferns suit shady areas.
Think about where the light falls year-round, placing seating in sunny winter spots and shaded summer corners. Observing for a full year helps guide major changes.
4. Understand Your Soil
A simple soil test can reveal whether you have sand, clay, or loam. For tricky conditions, raised beds let you choose the growing medium.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, plants will tell you if they’re unhappy. Move them until they find their ideal spot.
5. Harness the Power of Containers
Containers allow flexibility and creativity, from cucumbers on a trellis to strawberries for kids (and birds).
Move pots to suit light conditions, use unusual vessels like old sinks, and feed regularly with liquid seaweed. For visual appeal, remember the “thriller, filler, spiller” rule.
6. Garden for a Warming Climate
Focus watering on new plants and containers, letting lawns go dormant in summer. Choose resilient species like fennel or cistus that handle both dry and wet spells.
If plants look dead after a holiday, consistent watering for two weeks may revive them.
7. Buy Small, Plant in Clumps
Opt for smaller plants or bare root stock, they’re cheaper, hardier, and catch up fast.
Plant in odd-numbered clumps for a natural look. Grouping three varieties in fives creates strong visual impact.
8. Add Subtle Lighting Touches
Festoon lights or mirrors can make a small garden feel magical. Others prefer lanterns or candles for a softer, wildlife-friendly glow.
Avoid harsh, fixed lighting that disrupts nocturnal creatures.
9. Make Wildlife Feel Welcome
Add water sources like birdbaths or mini ponds to attract birds, frogs, and hedgehogs. Plant pollinator-friendly species, including winter bloomers like ivy.
Embrace some weeds, which often benefit local bees more than imported flowers.
10. Plan for Autumn and Beyond
Autumn is prime planting season. Try a “bulb lasagne”, layering bulbs in containers for a succession of spring flowers.
Mix colours and textures boldly for depth. Choose reliable, low-maintenance plants like hardy geraniums, ornamental grasses, peonies, dahlias, or self-seeding daisies to keep your garden vibrant.
