The brakes already seem to have been slammed on the all too brief summer, and here we are back in September and braced for cooler, wetter and windier weather. While gardens in Lancashire tend to be hardy beasts, there’s always room for some improvement and it pays to make sure that it’s ready for the rigours of autumn and winter.

Here are some landscaping suggestions to ensure that your garden and outside space continues to look great and will be in tip top shape come the spring.

Check your fencing

Seasonal storms are getting more frequent and intense, so it’s a good idea to check the condition of your fencing. If you have wooden fencing, inspect it for signs of moisture damage and weathering or warping. Check to see if any of the boards have slipped out of place or are loose, and test the integrity of the posts. 

Remove any build up of dirt and mould with a soft brush. If you have not yet applied a wood stain or paint to the fence this year, consider doing so now to protect it from the onslaught of autumn and winter. Metal fences should be checked for signs of rust, cleaned and similarly painted or treated with a protective coating if need be.

Tidy beds and borders

Get on top of any weeds and debris in beds and borders, and deadhead flowers to encourage a final flourish before the frosts set in. Divide up hardy perennials to encourage more abundant growth, and mulch and bare patches of soil with compost. To discourage further weed growth, add a layer of bark or slate chips over the soil. 

Now is also a good time to plant bulbs ready for the spring, such as daffodils, crocus, and snowdrops. For some autumn colour, plant pots and containers with chrysanthemums, asters, and pansies. 

Get the lawn shipshape

If you have a lawn, give it a final mow and deal with any weeds such as dandelions and thistles. If moss is a problem, rake it up, and if the lawn is looking tired with bald patches, apply a lawn feed. September is a good time to lay new turf to repair any damage, because the earth is warmed after summer and the hard frosts have not yet arrived.

If you find that the lawn is becoming too difficult or time consuming to maintain, you may want to consider replacing it with low-maintenance artificial turf or paving. 

Clean patios and decking

Give patios and decking areas a boost by washing them off with a mild soap and water solution and a soft-bristled brush. Beware of using a pressure hose on patios, particularly if you have natural stone, because the pressure can crack the slabs. Decking and porous stone will need some form of waterproofing treatment if you haven’t already done this yet.