As September arrives, the UK landscape begins its gradual shift from the vibrant greens of summer to the rich, warm hues of autumn. The days grow shorter, the air crisper, and the first signs of change become evident as leaves start to yellow and fall. Rainfall typically increases, providing much-needed moisture after the often dry August, making it an ideal time to prepare your garden for the months ahead. Wildlife, too, begins to adjust; birds are more active, gathering food as they prepare for the colder weather. It’s a time when evergreen shrubs start to stand out, providing structure as other plants fade, and autumn-flowering perennials take the stage. With children heading back to school and many people working from home, September offers a great opportunity to spend time in the garden, whether you’re tackling maintenance tasks or planting for the future. If you have kids at home, they can even join in on the weekends, making gardening a fun family activity.
1. Start with Garden Maintenance and Lawn Care
The first priority in September is garden maintenance. As the weather cools and rainfall increases, your lawn and garden beds will need attention to prepare them for winter. Start by aerating your lawn, with an aerator or garden fork, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil, which is crucial after the compacting effects of summer. Follow this up with a top dressing of compost or specialized lawn feed to promote healthy root growth. Address any bare patches by reseeding now; the cooler, wetter weather will help seeds establish quickly.
In your garden beds, clear away spent annuals and dead leaves, and give your perennials a tidy-up by cutting back any dead or diseased growth. Pay special attention to perennials like Lavender, Salvia, and Gaura, trimming them back to encourage a tidy appearance and strong growth in the spring. With the garden cleared and the lawn nourished, you’ll have a solid foundation for the colder months ahead.
2. Plant Bulbs in Autumn for a Spring Spectacle
With your garden tidied up, the next priority is planting bulbs in readiness for spring. September is prime time for getting spring-flowering bulbs like Daffodils, Tulips, Muscari, Alliums and Crocuses into the ground. These bulbs need the winter chill to bloom beautifully in spring, so planting them now ensures a vibrant display next year.
For a dynamic and layered spring display, consider lasagna planting with garden pots. This technique involves planting layers of bulbs in a single pot, so they bloom sequentially, providing continuous color. Boma offers a beautiful selection of pots suitable for lasagna planting, including glazed, aged, and antique terracotta, as well as whitewashed terracotta, polystone, and fibreclay options. Zinc and terracotta window boxes are also an excellent choice for adding spring color to your windowsills. Don’t forget to mix in some bulb fibre compost to give them the best start. Boma has a wide selection of bulbs in stock, so you can plan your spring garden now and enjoy a stunning floral show when the warmer weather returns.
3. Refresh Your Bedding Plants with Viola and Cyclamen
As your summer bedding plants start to fade, refreshing your garden with autumn-friendly varieties becomes essential. Hardy plants like viola and cyclamen thrive in the cooler temperatures of September and can add a pop of color to your borders, rockeries, and window boxes. Violas are versatile and can be used in both ground planting and containers, while cyclamen, with their delicate, butterfly-like flowers, are perfect for shaded areas. They can even be brought indoors to brighten up your home during the autumn months. Consider using window boxes for a vibrant autumn display that can transition into winter, adding charm to your home’s exterior.
4. Transition Your Garden with Evergreen Shrubs, Autumn Flowering Perennials, and Grasses
After tending to maintenance and bulb planting, consider enriching your garden’s structure with a mix of evergreen shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses. Evergreens like Heuchera, Boma’s plant of the month, along with Hebe, offer year-round visual interest, maintaining their vibrant foliage even through winter. Pair them with autumn-flowering perennials such as Asters and Sedum, which add late-season color and attract pollinators. Complement these with ornamental grasses for texture and ferns for lush greenery. Planting now ensures they establish well before winter, ready to thrive come spring. Incorporate them into borders or mixed planting schemes for a dynamic garden that evolves with the seasons.
For more options, explore evergreens, shrubs, ferns and grasses on the Boma Garden Centre website:
5. Prepare for Winter with Protective Mulching
As the weather cools further, it’s essential to protect your plants from the harsh conditions of winter. Applying a thick layer of mulch around the base of your shrubs, perennials, and trees will help insulate the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. This is particularly important for newly planted specimens that need extra protection while they establish themselves. Use mulch such as compost, bark, or leaf mold, which will also enrich the soil as it breaks down over time.
6. Display Creativity with Pots and Planters
September is a great time to get creative with your garden design using pots and planters. Whether you prefer the classic look of terracotta, the elegance of glazed ceramics, or the modern feel of eco-friendly plastic, Boma offers a wide selection to suit your style. Use moisture-control compost in your containers to help retain water and reduce the frequency of watering. Experiment with different heights, colors, and textures to create visually appealing displays that will carry your garden through autumn and beyond.
7. Houseplant Care: Focus on Monsterra
As the season progresses, houseplants become increasingly important for bringing greenery indoors. Monsterra, Boma’s indoor plant of the month, is a favorite for urban gardeners. Its iconic split leaves and robust nature make it a striking addition to any indoor space. With natural light levels decreasing, ensure your Monsterra receives bright, indirect light, and water it moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Misting the leaves will help maintain humidity, keeping the plant healthy through the autumn months. Other indoor plants perfect for the
8. Enhance Your Indoor Plant Collection
In addition to Monsterra, other houseplants that thrive in the lower light levels of autumn include the ZZ plant, snake plant, and pothos. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for busy urbanites who want to enjoy greenery without the fuss. Consider grouping them together to create a lush, indoor jungle, or place them on shelves and windowsills to maximize your living space. Using a high-quality indoor plant compost will help keep them healthy and vibrant.
9. Support Local Wildlife with Bird Feeders and Houses
As natural food sources for birds start to dwindle in September, now is a great time to set up bird feeders and birdhouses in your garden. Providing a consistent source of food will help sustain local bird populations through the autumn and winter. Boma offers a range of bird food and feeders, allowing you to attract a variety of species. Setting up a birdhouse or two can also offer safe nesting spots for birds as they prepare for the colder months.
10. Visit Boma Garden Centre for Expert Advice and Supplies
As the season changes, there’s no better time to visit Boma Garden Centre for all your gardening and houseplant needs. Our team of horticulture specialists is ready to offer personalized advice to help you make the most of your garden and indoor plants this September. From Heuchera and Monsterra to a wide range of bulbs, composts, plant foods, and more, you’ll find everything you need to keep your green spaces thriving. Plus, don’t miss out on our special in-store offers that are sure to inspire your autumn gardening projects.
Embrace the Change of Seasons with Boma
September is a month of transition, and with the right care and attention, your garden and houseplants can continue to flourish as autumn sets in. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, resilient green spaces that will bring joy throughout the colder months. Whether you’re planting new bulbs, refreshing your bedding plants, or simply tending to your indoor jungle, Boma Garden Centre is here to support you every step of the way. Visit us today and discover the best gardening advice and products in London.
