How To Give Your Garden An Autumnal Refresh

As temperatures plummet and jumpers are retrieved from draws, it’s tempting to hide indoors away from the threat of wind and rain. But it’s hard to fully appreciate the beauty of autumn’s red-golden leaves and fresh crisp air from behind your window pane. Want to make sure your garden doesn’t go to waste for the rest of the year? Here’s our top tips to transforming your garden into a cosy outdoor retreat. 

How To Design The Ultimate Autumnal ‘Sparden’

Weather Resistant Furniture

If anyone knows anything about cold weather, it’s the Swedes. With much whiter and frostier winters than our own, they’re certainly ones to trust when it comes to preparing your garden for the colder months. Before your even start thinking about how you’re going to organise your garden space, Bo Hellberg, CMO of Swedish outdoor furniture specialists Grythyttan Stålmöbler explains that having weather resistant furniture is essential. ‘Opt for weather-resistant materials like teak wood or metal steel, that will ensure durability and style,’ he says.

Most importantly, ensure you have a weather-resistant storage box on hand, or at worst a breathable water-resistant cover, to protect cushions and blankets when not in use. And never make the mistake of leaving them outside when you’re done lounging for the day: you never know quite when the British weather will turn. 

Barker & Stonehouse

Risking damage from the sun, water and wind, it’s important to give your furniture a seasonal revamp. As Magdalena Gierasinska from Barker and Stonehouse explains, ‘In autumn, I always recommend a thorough clean using a soft brush and mild soapy water, followed by a protective treatment if it’s wood or metal. Tighten any screws or fittings, cover the set, and store it if you can.’ To help your wooden pieces withstand rainy weather, she additionally recommends applying a PU coating to acacia wood at least once a year. ‘This helps repel water and keep the surface looking its best. Regularly check for signs of mildew or discolouration, and sand back any rough patches before re-finishing.’

Get Organised

While it’s tempting to shove all your outdoor equipment into the shed to wait out the winter, we promise you’ll regret your poor organisational skills when you just can’t seem to find your gardening shears come next spring. Hellberg (who also serves as CMO of String Furniture) explains that ‘Modular shelving allows you to furnish your outdoors space with beautiful and timeless functional furniture that can be added to over time.’ When choosing the right material, he suggests opting for galvanised metal for its weather resistant qualities and style. ‘Even the smallest of spaces need plenty of storage, and with unique shelving, you will have a natural place to keep all your garden tools, pots and blankets all year round.’

Add Autumnal Charm

While shelving serves a great practical purpose, it is also the perfect starting point for adding some decorative features into your garden: think carefully arranged pumpkins, clusters of candles and delicate fairy lights. ‘Use the shelves as a canvas to display seasonal styling,’ suggests Hellberg. ‘Incorporate decorative items like terracotta pots or dried foliage to bring in natural autumnal tones.’

Garden Rooms

Sitting outside, exposed to the elements, and spied on by the birds, it can be difficult to feel like you have any privacy when outdoors. Thornbridge Estate gardener Noah Mabey suggests breaking up large areas in your garden with hedges, trees or trellises to create ‘garden rooms’: ‘This not only adds privacy but also gives each section its own atmosphere. These “garden rooms” are ideal for unwinding; simply add a recliner or two and you’ve got the perfect spot for reading or sunbathing.’

Cosy Corners

To really elevate your garden space, a simple metal chair and table isn’t going to cut it. As Laura James interiors expert Chlow Barrow explains, ‘Traditional upright chairs can feel too formal for a space that’s supposed to be relaxing, so opt for loungers, daybeds, or deep armchairs that almost invite you to stretch out.’ Hellberg also recommends incorporating coffee tables and footstools alongside your sofas for practicality, providing a surface for drinks or books. ‘For a more dynamic look,’ he says, ‘mix and match furniture styles or finishes while keeping the colour palette cohesive.’

RH Striata Teak Right-Arm L-Sectional

While it’s all well and good inviting your guests to recline outdoors, the fun can quickly be interrupted by the sounds of chattering teeth and the sight of tightly crossed arms. To keep your garden suitable for hosting all year round, a fire pit is essential. Grab some mulled wine and marshmallows for a perfect evening of roasting by the open fire.

Crafting The Perfect Sparden

Unless you’re a cold water swimming enthusiast, we’re sure the prospect of dipping into an outdoor pool sounds less than pleasant at this time of year. Thankfully, this new sparden trend (that’s spa plus garden for the uninitiated), can work for you no matter the weather. 

To keep your sparden feeling suitably serene, Barrow recommends a neutral colour palette. ‘Think about the last spa or calming hotel you visited. Chances are, the colours weren’t loud or overwhelming. Beiges, soft browns, and muted greens are favourites because they mirror nature and the feeling of tranquillity that it brings.’ When it comes to materials, Barrow similarly suggests staying al naturel: ‘It’s tempting to stick with what’s familiar – like grey rattan sets – but swapping in natural materials instantly feels more coastal and relaxed. Whitewashed tables and benches bring that sun-bleached, boutique-resort look, while ceramics, linen cushions, and stone-topped side tables add texture.’

Whilst fire pits can help you feel cosy, they’re never going to give you the full body warmth you crave. Platinum Spas hot tub expert Sarah Watkins suggests splashing out on a hot tub, heated swim spa or sauna so you can enjoy the outdoors in luxury all year long. (Just make sure you have a parasol on hand, so you can keep the soaking going come rain or shine.) To elevate the experience even further, why not keep a basket stocked with spa essentials (think face masks and body oils) or even a chilled bottle of bubbly. Plant lavender, rosemary and jasmine nearby for a dreamy sensory experience. 

When choosing your hot tub, Watkins recommends considering how much space you have: ‘Choose a hot tub that complements the layout of your garden rather than overwhelms it. For smallerf gardens, a four-seater model can still deliver that luxury feel without taking over the space.’ She also stresses the importance of placing your hot tub in a position with slip-resistant surfaces where you can safely get out. Ensure it is located close to home and that the route back inside is well lit, because no one wants to be freezing their bits off, slipping and sliding back indoors following a mid-November plunge. On this note, keep all of the essentials close by. ‘A simple addition like a hook or rack for towels keeps everything within reach, so you’re not dashing inside mid-soak,’ says Watkins. ‘I would also recommend a small storage bench nearby for robes, flip flops, and hot tub covers.’