Category: garden border design

Autumn Borders

by Fen @tinybloomingplaces September 2024

A feathery autumnal touch for the borders; grasses and self seeding perennials

Time to plant

Often the garden starts to tire as September approaches but it is not the time to “give up”. With our milder weather season extending well into September and beyond there are still many moments to be enjoyed from the garden. September is the perfect time not only to move existing plants to a different location, if required, but it is also a great time to add autumn colour to the border, whilst stock is available, extending the season and enjoyment for the months ahead. It is a window of opportunity not to be missed.

Layers of textured foliage and subtle colour make for a beautiful autumn border

Perennial plants that have not fared well can be moved to a different location before they disappear into a winter slumber. This is the best time for them to establish their roots in a new location so they will perform better the following year. Plants offering autumn interest can also be added to extend the garden display late into the year. Autumn is the perfect time to alter, adjust and add to borders, whilst bearing in mind next years performance.

Deep purple hues from foliage with deep pink flowers contrast wonderfully with light green foliage and lime flowers. All set against a feathery orange tinged background

Choosing Plants

Choosing perennials that will come back year upon year will ensure the garden matures and performs annually giving remarkable displays for every season.

Choosing a small selection of plants, considering texture, colour and height will give a desired look and feel to the border. Planting en masse will ensure an eye catching and effective display. Make sure you take on board the orientation of the border before choosing plants

Planting en masse for a naturalistic feel

September is not the end of the gardening season. It is a great time for getting ahead of the game. Planning and planting borders in September and October ensures plants can be acquired that are giving a great display at that time of year and on into late autumn/winter. It also allows consideration for and inclusion (or moving/removal) of existing plants within the border to ensure an aesthetically pleasing planting scheme is achieved. It is by far the best time to plant up a garden to ensure interest and longevity across the seasons.

Transformation with a little imagination

Before & After

An almost empty border, a low fence with a view directly into the neighbours house meant the owners of this south west London garden called for an immediate resolution. With the rest of the garden already planted and very mature, the legacy of the previous owner, and the new owner wishing for low maintenance, as they knew very little about looking after plants, I had to find a resolution for the border with planting that would work with the rest of the already planted garden. I felt the resolution had to be one using mature and semi mature plant specimens that would grow into their space but would also make an instant impact, they would also need to be hardy and evergreen to provide screening and once fully matured, be happy with minimal maintenance.

The planting was done in staggered layers to give depth to the border. This also ensured that all gaps would be fully covered up as the plants matured. Planting in a straight line just doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing

The contrast of leaf shape and shade gives interest to the space.

The larger mature laurels to the back made an instant impact on privacy

And just like a fine vintage wine this border will grow and mature and become even more impressive as the years go by.

A few pretty, easy to maintain pots with all year round interest popped on the patio adding a splash of colour

An another empty corner filled with evergreen, flowering and scented shrubs to give spring and summer joy as well as all year round interest.

Happy days, the garden is summer ready!