When the days get shorter and the nights longer, the first cool wind blows and the first leaves slowly change color, it becomes clear:Autumn is just around the corner. For homeowners this means that preparations for plants, furniture and the like can begin to get them fall ready and finally winter proof. We give useful tips here and show you which garden work needs to be done now.
If you want to see flowering plants in your garden in the coming year, you should start preparing for spring now. Late autumn is ideal for pruning shrubs, fruit trees and shrubs. Sick, damaged and dead branches should be removed before the frost sets in – this promotes growth of the plants and gives them extra strength for new shoots. Hedges are a popular alternative to garden fencing to create an opaque boundary on your own property. After the dead and overhanging branches have been removed, the hedges can be pruned back to the desired shape.
Summer evenings have come to an end. Gone are the cozy drinks on the balcony or in the garden – or are they? With a few handy moves, garden owners can still take advantage of their outdoor space in the fall. Summer is considered by many to be the quintessential barbecue season. But grill specialties can also be enjoyed outside in autumn and winter. If the barbecue is left outside during the cold season, you must provide a suitable cover. A fire bowl, a radiant heater or a patio heater are most suitable as an additional source of heat when sitting outside together in the fall.
If you want to fully enjoy the fresh air in your outdoor space in autumn, choose smaller and compact garden furniture. On the other hand, larger garden furniture - when not in use - can be stored in a dry place to protect against cold and wet weather. With proper care, wooden furniture can also overwinter outdoors. A few extra light sources, such as solar lamps, lanterns or Christmas lights, provide the right atmosphere on cool and dark days.
It's not just people who need a warm retreat in the colder months of the year. Some plants also prefer a less mixed climate:Not all plants can overwinter outdoors – container plants should be brought indoors or into their winter quarters in the fall. Alternatively, these can be packed in bubble wrap or special crop protection bags to protect them from frost. While the lawn should be regularly cleaned of falling leaves, it is ideal for beds as natural protection against the cold.
Even before the first frost, it is time to plant the bulbs of the early bloomers – these include tulips, daffodils, snowdrops, hyacinths, as well as allium. These need a long hibernation and plenty of time to root, so they should be planted in open ground in the fall or early winter. Garden centers offer a diverse range of early-flowering bulbs at this time of year.
