As autumn arrives, many homeowners begin to think about how to best showcase their property for potential buyers. With outdoor spaces playing an increasingly important role in a home’s appeal, now is the perfect time to give your garden a seasonal refresh. A well-maintained garden can make a lasting impression and even boost your home’s value. Here are 10 essential tips to help your garden look its best and attract buyers this autumn.
1. Create Autumn/Winter Displays
Autumn is the perfect time to refresh your containers with seasonal colour. Consider planting evergreen shrubs, Hellebores, Skimmias, Cyclamen, and winter-flowering Violas. These provide vibrant displays that last through the colder months, making your outdoor space appealing even in autumn and winter. A well-designed autumn container can create a welcoming atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on potential buyers.
2. Mulch Your Beds and Borders
Autumn is the ideal time to mulch vegetable beds and herbaceous borders. Mulching improves the soil’s texture and structure, helping your plants thrive next spring. It’s also a visual win—tidy, mulched beds give your garden a cared-for look, something potential buyers will notice.
3. Sow Hardy Annual Flowers
Sowing hardy annuals like Nigella, Ammi Majus, Sweet Rocket, and Cornflowers will ensure early blooms next year. These pops of colour are a selling point, as buyers love imagining themselves in a garden that looks beautiful in every season. In the vegetable patch, sow spring onions and oriental leaves, which can provide an early spring crop—another attractive feature for keen gardeners.
4. Sow Winter-Hardy Green Manures
Keep your vegetable plot healthy through winter by sowing Field Clover, Hungarian Rye Grass, or Winter Tares. These green manures cover the soil, improving its fertility and structure for the next growing season. Buyers will appreciate a garden that’s already prepped for productivity.
5. Plant Autumn and Spring Bulbs
Now is the time to plant Narcissus, Alliums, and other spring-flowering bulbs. These will bring vibrant colour next year and give potential buyers something to look forward to. Save your Tulip bulbs for November when the soil cools down—your garden will be a riot of colour by spring, which could be the final push a buyer needs.
6. Deadhead Dahlias and Roses
By deadheading Dahlias now, you’ll extend their bloom until the first frost, ensuring your garden stays colourful during viewings. If you have repeat-flowering roses, deadhead them as well for a final flush of blooms in October. Not only does this keep your garden looking fresh, but it also signals that your outdoor space is low-maintenance and ready to enjoy.
7. Tidy Up Leaf Litter
Rake up fallen leaves from lawns and boarders, and use them to create homemade leaf mould—a fantastic soil conditioner. A tidy, leaf-free garden is not only more attractive, but it also signals to buyers that the garden is low-maintenance and well-cared-for.
8. Water Your Container Plants
Even as temperatures cool, make sure your container plants are well-watered. Consistently cared-for plants will look lush and healthy, making your garden space feel inviting. Healthy plants reflect a home that has been cared for—a key factor for any potential buyer.
9. Plant Soft Fruits
Take advantage of the warm soil by planting soft fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. These plants establish strong root systems in the autumn, promising a healthy crop next year. Buyers will love the idea of stepping into their new garden and immediately benefiting from fresh homegrown produce.
A Final Thought
First impressions count, and a stunning garden could be the deciding factor for someone choosing between your home and another. By following these simple gardening tips, you’ll not only boost your garden’s appeal but could also help your home sell faster and at a better price this autumn. At JW Wood Estate Agents, we know the importance of a great first impression, so why not let your garden do some of the work for you?
Adapted from House & Garden
