How to Enjoy Your Garden Throughout Autumn and Winter

With the last days of Summer having faded away, the enjoyment of the garden and the benefits of being outdoors tend to fall by the wayside, but it doesn’t have to be this way! With a few strategic purchases and a little imagination, the garden can be an extension to your living space all year round. In this article, we share some ideas on how to enjoy your garden throughout Autumn and Winter.

Fire Pits

Just because the colder weather is descending upon us, it doesn’t mean that we all need to retreat inside. Warmth will always be a need when outside on the colder Autumnal and Winter months and a fire pit provides that perfectly. You don’t need to buy one, although there are many that are reasonably priced – why not have a go at making one? This great article from Manomano.co.uk provides 12 DIY fire pit ideas. Just imagine sitting together on a cold night, wrapped in a snuggly blanket, enjoying a mug of your favourite warming drink and toasting marshmallows (calories don’t count in Winter) – what could be nicer?

Outdoor Heaters

If you prefer to stay warm in a little less smoky way and want a quick, efficient and extremely low maintenance option, why not try an electric patio heater? With stylish looks and the ability to be free-standing or wall-mounted, electric patio heaters are a fantastic choice. They work by converting electricity to infrared heat, transmitted by electromagnetic waves through the air. Rather than heating the air, instead the waves heat the objects that they reach – you! You might find that you need more than one heater if you have a larger space. Here’s a handy guide to patio heaters and how to work out how many you will need.

Despite Its Name, The Summerhouse Is Not Just For Summer!

The Summerhouse that provided an escape from the heat of the midday sun or provided the perfect place for lazy afternoons, whiling away an hour or two with a good book can be the perfect cosy Autumn and Winter retreat too. With the addition of soft, warm blankets and cushions and accessorising with lanterns and strings of fairy lights, you will soon have a haven from the decreasing temperatures. Summerhouses are a great place for children’s sleepovers too, almost but not quite camping out! During the colder months you can use your Summerhouse as a hobby room, a home gym or simply wrap up warm, grab some extra blankets and head out with a good book and listen to the rain fall, bliss!

No summerhouse? No problem! A gazebo can be utilised instead with the addition of soft, cosy outdoor beanbags covered in outdoor duvets and blankets!

Outdoor Entertaining: Food and Drink

Grilling on the BBQ is still something that can be enjoyed right through all the seasons. It might take the BBQ a little longer to get going in the colder months – don’t we all! – so prepare well in advance. Keep the lid on whilst cooking to retain that lovely, warming heat. If you have a pizza oven, you’ve the perfect way to cook and keep warm at the same time. Gather round with family and friends and enjoy a delicious hot chocolate or two. Or how about some big mugs of soups and stews can all be made inside and enjoyed outside. To get you started, here’s some warming soup and stew recipes. With 80 to choose from, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Hot Tubs

Scandinavians swear by the whole heat and ice experience, why not recreate it in your own back garden? Many believe that now is the best time of year to use a hot tub. Perhaps not suited to wet weather, unless you have a roof, but there is something magical about slipping into a warm hot tub when the ground is frosty, even better in the snow!

Wildlife Watching

You can entice all manner of wildlife into your garden by replacing dwindling food sources. From seed balls for birds, to cat food for hedgehogs (yes really), why not turn your garden into a wildlife haven, Gardeners World have some wonderful tips. You can even help out by recording the wildlife you spot in your garden, Country File have a guide to explain how and why we need to record our local wildlife.

Gardening

There is still plenty to do in the garden during the Autumn months, from planting Spring flowering bulbs and a whole heap of veggies can be planted now, to pruning, clearing, cleaning and general pottering. Gardening is one of those hobbies that is superbly rewarding as the fruits of your labour are always so abundant and apparent. Whether you have a large garden full of foliage or just a few tubs, there is still plenty to do to keep you occupied over the next few months.

However, you decide to use your outdoor space, we hope you found some of our suggestions useful.