How to Enjoy Your Garden in Autumn and Winter

Everyone heads outside in spring and summer, basking in the beauty and warmth of their garden. But some people want to enjoy their garden all year round, even in the colder months. Luckily, there are a few easy ways you can make the most of your outside space when the chilly weather sets in. 

In this article, we’ll explore how to enjoy your garden in autumn and winter, and discuss thorough preparations to protect it from the weather.

How to enjoy your garden in autumn and winter

Spring and summer are for lazy days with a cold drink, while autumn and winter are a chance to get cosy with a cup of tea and enjoy the atmosphere of these darker months. Here are a few ways you can make the most out of your garden at this time of year.

Crackling fires and outdoor heating

There is something primal yet comforting about gathering around a fire or feeling the warm glow from a heat source. Whether it’s a cast-iron fire pit or overhead heaters, there are several different contemporary and traditional ways you can keep snug in your garden this year. 

Fire pits allow you to create a real fire for that atmospheric touch, with the side benefit of being the perfect place to cook marshmallows. Meanwhile, electric heaters can be mounted on parasols or above your outdoor living area to provide a modern source of heat. 

Shelter from the rain

Listen to the gentle patter of the rain on a pergola, gazebo or a parasol as you curl up with a good book. These outdoor structures are truly multi-purpose, providing shade in summer but protection from precipitation at the colder times of year.  

Atmospheric lighting 

The darker mornings and nights might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they do provide the perfect opportunity for mood lighting. From rustic table lights for entertaining guests or string lights for that magical ambience, you are sure to find something to transform your garden space. You can also create a festive feel this December with light-up Christmas decorations ranging from rattan LED animals to sparkling outdoor Christmas trees. 

Hot tubs and swim spas 

Imagine easing into a bubbling pool of hot water on a chilly autumn day. Hot tubs and swim spas are among the best ways to enjoy your garden in the cold, rewarding you with deep relaxation and warmth in the great outdoors. They have also been shown to have health benefits by relieving muscle tension and joint pain, while also improving blood circulation. 

Encourage wildlife 

Each season invites its own particular wildlife, and you can play your part by attracting birds, insects and animals to your garden. Whether it’s a bug hotel or a bird bath, a garden that is an inviting sanctuary for nature will become a peaceful place where you’ll want to spend time and observe the natural world, whatever the weather.

How to make a garden usable in winter and autumn

To get your garden ready for continued use in this half of the year, there are a few things you need to do. Garden preparation in winter and garden preparation in autumn both have slightly different focuses, which we will explore below. 

Autumn jobs include:

1. Clear away debris, dirt and leaves, and give your patio a clean.   

2. Prune and trim trees and overgrowth. 

3. Plant spring-flowering bulbs in your garden. 

4. Prepare the border and bed soil with mulch to protect and enrich it. 

5. Clean and prepare tools, greenhouses and other garden structures.

Winter jobs include:

1. Outdoor furniture use in winter is possible, but you may need to tidy away certain items at the end of the day, especially if it’s frosty or raining, so consider items like cushion boxes for storage. 

2. Store away or cover plants that are vulnerable to cold or frosty conditions. 

3. Keep pathways and patios clear of ice, snow and frost by gritting surfaces. 

4. Insulate any outside taps or pipes to prevent bursting. 

5. Protect wildlife by preventing freezing in ponds and birdbaths by placing a small floating object on the surface of the water.

Overall, the best way to enjoy your garden in autumn and winter is to make sure it’s primed and ready for the colder months with the right preparation, furniture and accessories. 

Bring your garden to life in all seasons with furniture sets and accessories from Hills Home & Garden. Our wide range of stunning garden furniture is sure to suit any style, and our pergolas, outdoor lighting and outdoor heating options mean you’ll be enjoying these cosy months in comfort. Browse through our site to see our full range, pay us a visit or get in touch.