Part of a seasonal garden maintenance in Scotland

**Autumn: Preparing for Winter While Reaping the Harvest**

Autumn in Scotland brings cool breezes and a riot of golden colours. Now’s the time to reap the rewards of your garden and prepare it for the winter months.

**Plant Care & Planting Schedule**  

– **Autumn Beauties:** Plant autumn-flowering bulbs like crocuses and hardy chrysanthemums to keep your garden vibrant.

– **Harvesting:** Pick the last of your root vegetables and collect any lingering herbs.

– **Planting Spring Bulbs:** Tulips, daffodils, and snowdrops should go in the ground now for a cheerful spring display.

**Hedge & Lawn Maintenance**  

– **Lawn Prep:** Rake up fallen leaves and use them in your compost bin. Give your lawn one last cut before winter, but keep it a bit longer for frost protection.

– **Hedge Pruning:** Prune your hedges lightly to keep them tidy but avoid heavy cutting as temperatures drop.

**Do’s and Don’ts for Autumn**  

– **Do:** Add a layer of mulch to protect your perennials from frost.

– **Don’t:** Forget to clean and store any sensitive garden tools.

– **Do:** Plant a cover crop (like winter rye) to enrich the soil for spring.

– **Don’t:** Leave fallen fruit lying around, as it attracts pests.

**Helpful Tip:** Consider adding a bug hotel or birdhouse to attract wildlife that can help maintain pest balance during the cold months.