Autumnus and embracing the shift – Autumn Landscapes

With a long history of Roman traffic along this country’s roads – many of which they in fact built themselves at the time of togas and early trading routes – our landscape here in Britannia as we were once known is rich in Latin legacy.

The Romans introduced our gardens and in turn kitchens to the delights of fig, apple, pear, plum, walnut, celery, onion, carrot, cabbage and leek. Our palettes, I think we can all agree, are eternally appreciative for this and if your mind too is wandering to hearty soups at these words right now then I’m in good company.

Also transported were plants like dill, coriander, fennel, and mulberry which are all and to this day cherished additions to the edibles section of any garden.

Box too ( latin name Buxus sempervirens ) came via the Romans and, whilst widely planted, it is only nearby and at the topically named Box Hill in Surrey that this plant has completely naturalised.

Admittedly, for this to be an inclusive role call of species, ground elder also slipped into an unwitting centurion’s hand luggage and as a result became the flowerbed bane of many a twenty first century gardener. It does travel such a long way via – which is also latin for road, incidentally – its rascal rhizomes and unfortunately is rampant.

But it’s not only the landscape, horticultural and culinary habits which were shaped by and bear the fruits of Roman roaming; this period also formed our language and autumnus is one such word and refers to the drying up of plants, the harvesting and gathering that takes place.

As September arrives and the first hints of amber creep into our gardens, autumn presents a pivotal time and offers up opportunities to prepare outdoor spaces for winter whilst simultaneously planning for next year’s growing season.

With increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, modern gardening approaches must balance traditional seasonal activities with a climate-conscious and drought-resistant plant selection.

Gardening as the sun drops lower in the sky centres on preparation and planting. The soil remains warm from summer whilst air temperatures begin to cool creating ideal conditions for root establishment. Key activities include dividing perennials, planting spring bulbs and conducting essential lawn maintenance.

September through to November provides the perfect window for tree and shrub planting, as newly installed specimens can establish strong root systems before winter dormancy which is another word we have the Romans to thank for – root ; dormio meaning to sleep in latin and hence, dormouse!

Mulching becomes particularly crucial during this period. Applying a generous layer of organic matter around plants not only suppresses weeds ( hello, ground elder again ) and retains moisture but also provides insulation against temperature fluctuations.

Composting reaches its peak efficiency in autumn, with abundant fallen leaves providing carbon-rich material to balance nitrogen after summer’s greens break down.

Modern gardening increasingly requires us to factor in changing planetary weather patterns. As our summers become drier and water becomes more precious, drought-tolerant plants are repeatedly requested by clients. This shift doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty for resilience either as excellent options for autumn planting include ornamental grasses like Stipa tenuissima, Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and sage plus structural plants like Euphorbia.

Sedums produce domes of starry pink, ruby or white flowers in late summer and autumn offering both drought tolerance and seasonal interest. If planted now, they establish well developing robust root systems that will serve them through the later challenges of summer.

The key to successful drought-resistant gardening lies in soil preparation. Cultivating the soil and digging in large quantities of organic matter improves soil structure, soil water retention and water availability. This foundation work, best undertaken in autumn, ensures plants can access available moisture efficiently whilst reducing maintenance requirements.

“The garden in autumn teaches us that decay can be beautiful,” reflects renowned landscape architect Christopher Lloyd. This philosophy encourages gardeners to embrace the season’s natural processes whilst working with, rather than against, environmental changes. Senescence (from the latin word senēscere ) means to grow old and browning seed heads can continue if left standing to look very striking right into the frosts.

“Autumn is nature’s way of showing us that change can be beautiful whilst reminding us to prepare wisely for what lies ahead.” says Sarah Raven. This perspective aligns perfectly with modern sustainable gardening practices to prioritise long-term garden health over short-term aesthetics.

Southern England Garden Inspiration

Several exceptional gardens across southern England showcase autumn’s magnificence. Sheffield Park Garden in East Sussex transforms into a spectacular canvas of burnished reds, oranges and yellows this season with its carefully planned tree collection reaching peak autumn colour in October and November. The garden’s four lakes reflect the changing foliage, creating an almost painterly landscape. Plus there’s a tearoom.

RHS Wisley Gardens in Surrey offers inspiration for home gardeners, with extensive trials grounds showcasing both traditional and innovative planting combinations. Their Prairie Borders demonstrate how ornamental grasses and drought-tolerant perennials can create stunning autumn displays whilst requiring minimal water input.

Stourhead in Wiltshire, though also famous for its spring displays, offers valuable lessons in the importance of structural planting and good bones with mature trees and evergreen framework providing year-round interest.

Autumn gardening activities set the foundation for garden success in the coming year. By combining traditional seasonal tasks with forward-thinking plant selection, we can create outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and resilient. The key lies in working with natural seasonal rhythms whilst acknowledging our changing climate.

As we begin to rake fallen leaves and bury bulbs, we’re not just maintaining our gardens we are investing in their future sustainability; the plants we choose now and the practices we adopt this autumn will go some way to determine how well our gardens adapt to whatever next year’s weather may bring.

In this way, as the days shorten and the sun’s heat in the northern hemisphere wanes, gardening becomes both an act of hope and a practical response to our evolving environment.