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How to Make the Most of Your Garden in Autumn
As the days start to get shorter and the leaves start to fall from the trees — although, to be fair, they already were — we urge you to think of autumn as a continuation of the raging hot summer we have just had, rather than the end of your time outdoors.
In many ways, now is an ideal time for enjoying your garden. The grass starts turning green again, recovering from the scorched earth we have seen during the summer. Temperatures are still comfortable and there are normally plenty of dry days to enjoy too.
LG – Turin Aluminium Modular Corner Lounge Set
Firstly… Keep Your Outdoor Seating Ready to Use
We urge you not to consign your sofa and seating cushions to the attic just yet. Keep them downstairs and ready to use.
Better still, treat yourself to some garden storage. That way, your cushions stay protected but are accessible at a moment’s notice whenever the weather is good.
We have plenty of garden storage solutions for you to investigate.
Titan 3 Metre Square Aluminium Woodlook Pergola by NOVA
Add Shelter From Autumn Rain
If it does rain — and it will — that might be the time to treat your garden to a pergola.
There are various levels of specification and protection available, but the most important consideration for autumn use is a roof.
We have aluminium pergolas with heaters available, and you can also add side wall sections to provide additional shelter.
Think conservatory, but more versatile and considerably less of a commitment.
Use Outdoor Lighting as the Evenings Get Darker
As daylight disappears earlier, it makes sense to add some lighting to your garden, or at least to the part of it you use for sitting and entertaining.
Some people use lanterns attached to the outside of the house, while others create lighting trails throughout the garden to illuminate plants, trees and other features.
Done well, outdoor lighting creates an attractive backdrop for socialising, eating, lounging or simply relaxing outside.
Nova – Heritage Ciara Corner Dining Set with Fire Pit Table – Left Hand – White Wash
Choose Furniture That Can Handle the Autumn Weather
This is important if you want your garden furniture to last.
Your choice of furniture material makes a considerable difference to how well it copes with autumn and winter weather.
We’ll cover the benefits and drawbacks of the different materials in a future post, but some materials are particularly well suited to being outdoors throughout the year.
We are big fans of aluminium garden furniture. Aluminium does not rust like steel and requires relatively little maintenance, particularly when it has a good-quality powder-coated finish.
Synthetic rattan is another popular option, often woven around an aluminium frame. However, make sure the rattan itself is good quality, as cheaper materials can fade and deteriorate over time.
For dining tables, ceramic and stone-effect tops are generally very weather resistant. Glass also performs well, although it has become somewhat less fashionable in recent years.
Traditional teak is hardy and can last for many years, although it does require some maintenance from time to time. Other woods can also work well but generally require more care.
Whatever furniture you choose, remember that cushions are best kept protected and dry when they’re not being used.
Keep Your Garden Looking Tidy and Inviting
Of course, an important part of outdoor living is simply keeping the garden looking good.
Just because it’s autumn doesn’t mean you can’t mow the lawn, rake the leaves, tidy the borders and generally keep your outdoor space somewhere that you actually want to spend time.
Is Autumn a Good Time to Buy Garden Furniture?
Yes — it can be a very good time to buy.
Why? Because garden furniture retailers need to clear stock as one season comes to an end and preparations begin for the next year’s ranges.
We are no different.
Take a look at our End of Season Sale, where you’ll find great-quality garden furniture at some very attractive prices.