Sitting at my desk looking out at an unusually hot day so late in the month of September, it is hard to believe that Autumn is slowing descending upon us in the UK. A season favoured by many for it’s dazzling colour. There are so many reasons to stay outdoors. For pond owners it is a time to be out preparing your pond for the cold winter months and ensure that your pond liner is still being well protected by the edging material – tips can be followed in a previous article ‘ Autumn Pond and Pond Liner Maintenance‘.

Autumn is a great time to tidy all flower beds so that they look neat and healthy through to the following spring – cut spent flowers, prune back shrubs (refer to a gardeners manual for advice on when and how best to prune each type of shrub or evergreen), remove weeds, pull out unwanted seedlings and spread a layer of compost or bark over the soil.

It is also the best time of the year for planting trees, shrubs and perennials which will establish quickly in moist soil that is still warm from the summer. Plant bulbs too for a colourful display in your garden in Spring.

While tidying the beds and garden, consider the wildlife you may well have attracted into your garden by the presence of a pond. Creatures such as hedgehogs, ladybirds and frogs will be going into hibernation. They would be extremely grateful for a place to ‘bed-down’ through this period. A small log pile and a pile of fallen leaves place under bushes will provide a perfect home. Birds will continue to bring a chorus of charm to our gardens but we need to look after them to ensure they survive through the cold months be providing a regular amount of food as well as water.

These are just some great reasons to stay out doors this autumn!