Gardening Slowly Into Autumn
October in the garden is quieter.
The frenzy of summer has passed, and the garden feels more spacious…more contemplative.
The mornings are misted, the soil still holds a little warmth, and the air smells faintly of apples and leaves.
And while it may seem like everything is fading, there’s still gentle work to be done.
This is the season of slow tending. Of preparing, tucking in, and letting go.
If you’re wondering how to garden with the season, supporting local wildlife and your own sense of peace, here are a few gentle, purposeful tasks for October.
Lift & Store Tender Perennials
Plants like dahlias, gladioli, and cannas won’t survive a hard frost, so now’s the time to dig them up.
Let the stems die back first, then gently lift them, brush off soil, and lay them somewhere airy to dry. Once dry, store in paper or mesh bags in a cool, dry place until spring.
You don’t need a fancy shed or greenhouse… just a frost-free spot!
Tip: Check them once a month through winter for signs of rot or mould. A little attention goes a long way.
Cut Hedges (Lightly)
October marks the end of nesting season, which means it’s finally safe to tidy up hedges. But cut carefully… many birds, mammals and insects still shelter in thick foliage.
Use light shaping cuts rather than dramatic trims. Think of it as a tidy-up rather than a renovation.
Bonus: Light pruning encourages bushier growth next spring and supports habitat density for small garden birds.
Divide Clumps of Perennials
While the soil is still warm and soft, it’s the perfect time to divide summer and autumn flowering perennials like geums, hostas, rudbeckia, or asters.
It’s one of the easiest ways to increase your plant stock, refresh tired clumps, and spread colour around your garden.
Gently lift the plant, tease the roots apart by hand or with two garden forks, and replant each clump with care. Water well and mulch lightly.
Dividing them when they’re in bloom might stress them out a bit, and you could lose your plants, so it’s much better to wait until they’ve finished flowering. Should the weather change whilst you’re waiting and the ground end up being waterlogged, then the kindest thing to do is be patient (again!) and divide them in the spring when the ground warms up. This encourages the roots to grow, helping plants recover quickly from the disturbance.
Wildlife-friendly bonus? Many pollinator favourites like sedum and veronica thrive from division… and the bees will thank you next year.
Your October Flourish Challenge:
Autumn might seem like the time to wind down, but for wildlife gardeners, it’s also a key season of preparation; for us and Pause in your garden this week.
Let the stillness be the task.
• Watch the light slant through seedheads.
• Listen to the crunch of the soil.
• Collect a few dried flower heads to save for spring.
• Let the rest stand tall—for goldfinches, robins, and wrens who’ll feast through winter.
This is slow gardening.
This is seasonal living.
This is where care becomes connection.
Clare
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