As the vibrant hues of autumn take over, October brings fresh inspiration for transforming your garden. From sustainability to stylish outdoor living, these top 10 trends for 2024 will help you make the most of the season. Whether you’re looking to plant native species, extend your outdoor enjoyment, or plan ahead for next year, here are the must-try ideas for your garden this October—along with a few product recommendations to help you get started!
1. Native Planting for Sustainability
Native plants are a great way to create a low-maintenance, sustainable garden that supports biodiversity. By planting species that thrive in local conditions, such as bluebells, you’ll reduce water and fertiliser needs while also attracting pollinators and wildlife.
To ensure your plants grow strong and healthy, don’t forget to use plant supports. Our Grow Through Plant Supports are ideal for low-lying plants like bluebells, keeping them upright and helping them flourish throughout the season. October is a great time to start planting native bulbs.
2. Warm Autumn Colour Schemes
This season, gardeners are turning to warm, earthy colour schemes with deep reds, purples, and golds. Plants like acers, heucheras, and Japanese maples bring rich tones to your garden and add a pop of colour as the leaves change.
To enhance the vibrancy of your autumn plants, consider using Strulch. This organic mulch helps keep your soil warm and moist, prevents weeds, and ensures your plants thrive in cooler weather. Plus, it makes maintenance much easier—perfect for busy gardeners.
3. Edible Gardens on the Rise
The trend of growing your own food continues to rise, and October is the perfect time to plant crops like garlic, onions, and winter lettuces. Our 4-in-1 Modular Raised Beds are the perfect solution for growing a variety of crops in a compact space. And for additional protection from pests and weather, try using the Longrow Cloche. This sturdy cloche not only shields your plants from animals but also acts as a mini greenhouse to cultivate them.
4. Canopy Planting: Create a Living Pergola
Pergolas are a beautiful addition to any garden, but why stop at just the structure? Canopy planting is all about training climbers like wisteria, climbing roses, or grapevines over pergolas to create a natural, shaded retreat. As the plants grow, they offer cooling shade in summer and rich colours in autumn. Explore our range of pergolas to find the perfect foundation for creating your own living canopy and turn your garden into a magical, leafy sanctuary.
5. Indoor/Outdoor Living: Year-Round Garden Comfort
The indoor/outdoor living trend is going strong, with outdoor spaces being transformed into comfortable, functional extensions of the home. Whether it’s a garden room or a covered patio, having weather-resistant, stylish furniture is essential. Our Southwold Furniture Collection offers just that—a perfect blend of elegance and durability, ideal for any undercover space.
For an extra touch of luxury, why not hang chandeliers from your pergola or add soft outdoor furnishings to create a space that feels just as cosy as your indoor living area?
6. Outdoor Heating & Lighting
As the nights get cooler, having a reliable source of heat is a must for enjoying your garden throughout autumn. Fire pits are key elements for creating a warm, inviting space. The Corten Fire Bowl is a stylish option that doubles as a stunning focal point. To keep the party going after sunset, consider hanging festoon lighting using Shepherd’s Crooks. These simple but effective hooks allow you to drape lights over your garden, providing both ambiance and functionality.
7. Wildlife-Friendly Gardens
Gardening for wildlife is more than just a trend—it’s an important way to support local ecosystems.
To define these natural areas, consider using EverEdge Brown Flexible Steel Lawn Edging. This product helps create clean, defined edges around wildlife zones or wildflower meadows, ensuring your garden maintains a structured look while still giving back to nature.
8. Kitchen Gardens: Get Ahead of the 2025 Trend
Kitchen gardens are expected to be a major trend in 2025, but autumn is the perfect time to get started. Herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary, and sage can be planted now, providing fresh flavours for your cooking all winter long. Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and spinach also thrive in cooler weather, and they even taste sweeter after a touch of frost.
To give your kitchen garden the best start, try our range of Wooden Raised Beds Kits. Our premium raised beds, made from Swedish timber, offer the perfect environment for growing your herbs and greens. With their thick planks and robust design, they’re built to last through many harvests.
9. Small-Space Gardening Solutions
With space at a premium in urban gardens, small-space gardening is more popular than ever. Whether you have a balcony, patio, or compact garden, you can still grow a wide range of plants. Our 4-in-1 Modular Raised Beds and Round Modular Raised Beds are a perfect solution for maximising growing space, allowing you to configure the beds to suit your needs.
Vertical gardens, stackable planters, and trellises can also help you make the most of limited space, ensuring that even the smallest areas can be transformed into a lush, productive garden.
10. Water Features & Natural Elements
Adding water features to your garden not only enhances its aesthetic but also brings a sense of calm and serenity. The gentle sound of flowing water can turn any garden into a peaceful retreat. Our Large Curved Water Bowl—made from durable Corten steel—adds a simple yet elegant water feature to your garden, perfect for those seeking minimalistic beauty.
For something a bit more dynamic, consider the Qube Water Features, which come with a built-in pump for gentle bubbles of water. Available in both slim and square designs, these water features are ideal for adding a touch of modern sophistication to your outdoor space.
Final Thoughts...
With these top trends in mind, October is the perfect time to refresh your garden and prepare it for the colder months ahead. From sustainable planting to stylish outdoor heating, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative and make the most of your garden this autumn. And with the right tools, supports, and furniture, you can enjoy your outdoor space year-round.
Happy gardening!