Gardeners urged to do five tasks 'now' before the end of summer
The fine weather and upcoming bank holiday means it's a perfect time to get your garden in order. These are the few gardening tasks experts say should complete now before autumn.
As we approach the end of August, the pleasant weather coupled with the upcoming bank holiday present an ideal opportunity to spruce up your garden.
Whether it's tidying up your lawn or finally tackling that long-planned garden project, there are a limited number of weekends before the chillier weather arrives.
The autumn rain and unpredictable conditions will only make gardening jobs trickier.
With this in mind, Johanna Elvidge, a landscape design expert at Marshalls Plc told the Mirror five essential gardening tasks you should complete that ensures your garden is ready for autumn.
The must-do gardening tasks before the end of summer
1. Tidy up your lawn
During the colder months of autumn and winter, your lawn won't require as much maintenance, but you'll still want it to look neat and well-maintained. Paving and lawn edging can be an effective way to achieve this.
A simple brick border can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden by defining different sections within the space. If you prefer a softer look, using gravel as mulch on the beds surrounding your lawn can create a perfect edge, providing additional natural filtration beneficial for the wetter months ahead.
2. Provide shelter
Autumn inevitably brings cooler, wetter weather, which needs to be taken into account when preparing your garden. It's advisable to bring bulbs and tubers indoors as they are vulnerable to damage from frost or excessive moisture.
This season is perfect for safeguarding any furniture that could be harmed by these conditions. Erecting a shelter in your garden can be an excellent solution.
3. Construct shelters for wildlife
If you have any surplus materials from summer gardening projects, these can be utilised to construct shelters for wildlife. Logs, leftover rocks and bricks can create cosy nooks for insects and small animals.
As the days shorten and nights lengthen, wildlife will appreciate this protection. Encouraging wildlife into your garden also boosts biodiversity, fostering a natural ecosystem.
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4. Revamp your patio
While the weather remains warm and the days are long, it's an ideal time to spruce up your patio.
Moss, algae, or dirt stains can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a stiff-bristled brush. If you own a pressure washer, now's the time to use it. Just ensure it's not on too high a setting, as this can harm your pavers.
You might also decide to re-sand or re-point your paving joints, filling in any gaps that may have loosened.
5. Fresh lick of paint
The summer months provide more consistent dry weather, ideal for giving your garden furniture, sheds and fences a fresh lick of paint. This will not only rejuvenate your garden but also help protect these features against the harsher weather conditions of autumn and winter.