It’s that time of year again when the daylight starts to fade, the temperature starts to cool, and the leaves start to fall, but it’s also time for us gardeners to get busy too.

If you are needing a little extra know-how, some inspiration for brightening up the season ahead, or just wanting to give your garden some TLC, then our top tips on getting your garden ready for autumn will help.

1. Plant spring-flowering bulbs

Always plant spring-flowering and hardy summer-flowering bulbs in autumn to ensure a colourful display when next spring arrives.

Plant bulbs of the same variety in clumps of five or seven through a border and remember to plant them at a depth equal to twice the height of the bulb itself. Most hardy bulbs, including tulips and daffodils, prefer a warm, sunny site with good drainage as they come from areas with dry summer climates.

2. Repair and prepare the lawn

If you’re looking to lay a new lawn or repair an existing patch, then autumn is the perfect time to do it as the damp, warm conditions mean the seeds will germinate quickly, with only minimal watering needed.

During these last few weeks of the growing season, make sure you also cut your lawn slightly higher as this will protect it from any early frost damage, apply lawn fertiliser and rake out any dead grass.

3. Plant up a border

Autumn is also a good time to plant or move hardy plants like trees, shrubs, and roses as well as splitting and replanting perennials.

The warmth that is still in the soil encourages speedy root growth and the autumn rain should keep them well watered. Your plants will soon become well established over winter, and you will reap the rewards of all your hard work next spring.

4. Protect your plants

Spending some time now protecting your plants always pays off later. Insulate any fragile containers using fleece, and where possible, move pots filled with tender or borderline hardy plants into a greenhouse or sheltered spot.

It is also time to add a thick layer of organic mulch, approximately 5cm deep, over your borders. This also lots of nutrients to the soil, acting as slow-release plant food throughout the season as well as providing a safe haven for beetles, worms, and other soil invertebrates.

5. Welcome in wildlife

Birds and other wildlife that regularly visit our gardens can all do with some extra help in the autumn.

Now is the time to clean and fill bird feeders, pile fallen leaves from lawns and paths under hedges and shrubs to provide a safe overwintering habitat for hedgehogs, and bundle together cut stems from herbaceous perennials for ladybirds and other insects to live in.

Whether you are looking for beautiful bulbs, need advice on how to look after your lawn, or wanting to offer the local birds some tasty treats, at Aigburth Hall Nurseries we have it all.

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Five tips for getting your garden ready for autumn