Your garden is one of your home’s biggest assets. In fact, “a nicely presented garden can be seen to add 20% to your house value.” However, it’s important that you always make use of this space, aside from viewing it as a future selling point when you’re ready to move.
After all, your garden can be a space for entertaining guests, enjoying your morning coffee, or even spending quality time together as a family. And while these activities seem more attractive during the summer months, it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the great outdoors when autumn rolls around!
With that in mind, here are some fun ways to have fun in your garden this Autumn!
Clear your garden
Before the weather makes a turn for the worst why not give your garden a clear out. Anything you no longer need or use should be removed. It will make your garden look clean and tidy and should you have any stormy weather in the winter months it will help present any major damage. You can sort your garden yourself but if the job is too big for you why not seek out a company who specialises in garden clearance. If you have a large garden to clear or a communal garden area you may have to seek the expertise of a business waste management professional who can help you dispose of your waste.
Host a photoshoot
Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful Christmas present for grandparents and other family members, or simply want to capture some memories with your little ones – now is the perfect time to host a photo shoot in your garden. This is because you will be surrounded by stunning colours in every direction, from soft lighting to the different colours of leaves falling through the air. As a result, every photo looks that much more special! Don’t worry if you don’t have any pro photography equipment lying around at home, as you can always snap photographs on your phone!
Sow some seeds
If you’re looking to improve your garden, you can’t go wrong with introducing more plants and flowers into the space. And while you may not see the benefits of your efforts until spring rolls around, autumn is actually the best time to start working on your garden. This is because when you plant seeds in autumn, the following “period of cold weather triggers them to germinate in spring” in full bloom.
In order to make your garden look as bright and eye-catching as possible, try to select flowers that are known for being colourful. For example, you could buy daffodil bulbs to plant in your garden – meaning you’ll always have a little sunshine present.
Get crafty
Participating in arts and crafts is a great way to spend some quality time together as a family and can also do wonders for your child’s imagination and creativity. Taking these activities outside is a great way to mix things up – showing them the benefits of thinking outside of the box. Even better, whether you’re painting or making collages, you can afford to get a little messier when being creative outside, as it’s less hassle to clean up afterwards. For example, any paint will be washed away during the next bout of autumn rain!
If you’re looking for inspiration for your project, encourage your children to make art from items found in the garden, such as leaves, flower petals and twigs. Alternatively, you could encourage them to paint an autumnal scene.
Create a Shelter
To be specific, if you already don’t have a closed-off area that shows your garden, like a greenhouse or a sunroom, then this could be something you could look into. While pergolas and gazebos are great for the summer months, in the Autumn, it gets a tad too chilly. Plus, you’re going to want to avoid the cold air or the wet season. So looking into garden rooms or something similar could be a great option. You’re still in your garden, getting to enjoy it, but you’re doing it while keeping safe from the elements- the ultimate cosiness!
Repaint your fences & furniture
Autumn is also a great time to consider making some design changes in your garden. For example, carrying out tasks such as repainting fences and furniture can feel much more difficult in autumn, when you have to compete with the hot weather. In Autumn, however, the temperatures are much cooler and easier to manage. As a result, it gives you plenty of time to work on repainting your fence and furniture. This comes with the added benefit of giving your garden a new lease of life – as tired or chipped paint can quickly detract from the overall appearance of the space. However, you should ensure that you use weatherproof paint so that your DIY job stands the test of time and you don’t find yourself in the same situation in Spring.
Build a fire pit
Whether you’re prepping for Bonfire night or want to spend an evening outdoors, building a fire pit in your garden is a great way to go. Not only would this be the perfect centrepiece for a dinner party, but you could also turn it into a family-fun event by making smores and stargazing. Either way, you’re in for a lot of fun.
If you don’t fancy DIY-ing your fire pit, you could always buy a chiminea, which is smaller, easier to manage and doesn’t require you to put your DIY skills to the test! Either way, be sure to have a talk with your children beforehand about the importance of being cautious around fire. For example, if you are roasting marshmallows, you must encourage them to keep a safe distance from the flame and not to run around too close to the fire.
Go on a bug hunt
There are many benefits to spending time outdoors. For example, studies have shown that fresh air can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety amongst people of all ages. As a result, you should find as many ways as possible to get your children outdoors – even if they’d much rather be playing their favourite video game. One way in which you could pull them away from their TVs is by hosting a bug hunt in your garden!
Grab a book or print out some information on the different kinds of creepy crawlies that live in gardens during autumn and have a competition to see who can find the most bugs or insects. Be sure, however, not to disturb your many-legged friends – simply observe them from a safe distance and let them carry on with their day. You may want to have a microscope to hand so you can observe them in closer detail.
Decorate your garden for Christmas
While you may not be ready to sing along to Christmas songs or rewatch Home Alone just yet, you could begin to step into the festive spirit by getting your garden ready for the Xmas period. For example, you could use outdoor decorations to turn your garden into a winter wonderland in time for the festive season – the only thing missing is a blanket of snow! Children will love stepping outside and into a magical space – so be sure to be as creative as possible when decorating your garden.
*This is a collaborative post