A tidy, rested bed survives winter and springs back beautifully. Here's how to put your borders to bed.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
Tidying your flower beds in autumn is about more than good looks — it keeps disease and pests at bay, helps the soil rest and sets a strong, clean slate for spring. A little effort now means the whole garden starts the next season in better shape.
Snip back spent perennials and tidy tired foliage, but leave some seed heads and structural stems where birds and insects will use them. Leaving the right things standing keeps winter interest and helps the wildlife that shares the garden.
Take out annual weeds and clear fallen leaves and plant debris that can shelter pests and disease over winter. Put the clean, dry material on the compost heap and let a tidy border pay you back in valuable compost.
A light dig on plotting ground and a generous mulch of leaf mould or bark feeds the soil, locks in moisture and stops the surface washing and compacting. Cover the soil through winter and it is ready to plant the moment spring arrives.
As you tidy, plant any bulbs or winter structure you want for spring and make a note of what to move, divide or add to the borders. A rested, well-planned bed is the kindest start the new season can get.
From seasonal garden care to a full seasonal-style overhaul, the JFL Gardens team works across Surrey and London.
