Why Autumn is the Perfect Time to Plan Your Summer Garden Transformation
- Cedavi2
- Sep 27, 2025
- 4 min read
The Cost of Waiting: What You Risk
If You Wait Until Spring
Limited availability – prime summer slots already booked
Rushed design – insufficient time for thoughtful planning
Delayed completion – project pushed to late summer/autumn
Compromised planting – miss optimal bare-root season
Higher costs – spring price increases, potential rush premiums
Summer stress – newly planted garden struggling in heat
Another year lost – miss another summer in your dream garden
If You Act This Autumn:
Guaranteed availability – your preferred dates secured
Thoughtful design – time to refine every detail
June completion – garden ready for summer entertaining
Optimal planting – autumn/spring establishment
Better value – avoid spring price rises
Established garden – plants thriving, not surviving
Summer enjoyment – your dream garden next year, not the year after
Taking Action: Your Autumn Garden Planning Checklist
This week:
Gather inspiration (Pinterest, garden magazines, neighbouring gardens)
Photograph your current garden from multiple angles
Note problem areas and wish-list features
Establish realistic budget parameters
Contact Flourish Landscaping for consultation
This Month:
Initial consultation and site survey
Review concept designs
Select materials and planting palette
Receive detailed quotation
Before Christmas:
Agree final design and contract
Place material orders
Confirm project schedule
New Year:
Construction begins
Regular progress updates
Make final selections (furniture, accessories)
Spring:
Planting installation
Final landscaping touches
Handover and aftercare guidance
Summer:
Enjoy your spectacular new garden!
Client: The Harrison Family, Kingston KT2
Project: Complete rear garden redesign (180m²)
Budget: £45,000
October 2023: Initial consultation – family wanted entertaining space, children’s play area, wildlife-friendly planting for summer 2024 use
November 2023: Design agreed – Indian sandstone patio, composite decking, mixed herbaceous borders, new lawn
December 2023-February 2024: Hard landscaping construction during dry winter periods
March 2024: Comprehensive planting scheme installed, lawn turfed
June 2024 Result: Fully established garden, first flowering season spectacular, family hosting summer parties in their dream space
Mrs Harrison’s words: “So glad we booked in autumn. By June, our garden looked like it had been there for years, not months. Friends who started planning in March are still waiting for their landscaper.”*
Climate Considerations: Surrey & South West London
Our Local Conditions (RHS Hardiness H4-H5):
Autumn/Winter Benefits:
Moderate temperatures (rarely below -5°C) allow construction
London’s urban heat island effect extends working season
Thames Valley microclimate suits winter planting
Heavy clay soils more workable when firm/frozen than spring waterlogged
Spring Challenges:
March-May: wettest period, ground often waterlogged
Construction delays common due to weather
Machinery damage to saturated lawns
Difficult access when ground soft
Conclusion: Autumn and winter are often superior working conditions in our region – challenging the assumption that garden projects should wait for spring.
Investment Protection: The Value of Early Planning
Gardens are Significant Investments: With projects ranging from £10,000 to £100,000+, they represent substantial financial commitment.
Early Planning Protects Your Investment:
Time for research: Compare options, verify credentials, check references
Thorough design: Avoid expensive rectification of rushed decisions
Quality materials: Source premium specimens and stone, not settle for available stock
Proper preparation: Soil improvement, drainage solutions, structural considerations
Realistic scheduling: Adequate time for each phase, no corner-cutting
False Economy: Waiting until spring to “see how the garden looks” costs you an entire season of enjoyment – potentially £40,000+ of landscaping sitting unused for a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Won’t winter weather delay my project?
A: We work throughout winter on suitable days. Modern construction methods, protective tenting and strategic scheduling mean projects progress steadily. Hard landscaping often proceeds better in winter than waterlogged spring conditions.
Q: Can I still plant anything this time of year?
A: Absolutely! October-November is optimal for bare-root hedging, deciduous trees and many perennials. Container-grown plants can be planted any time the ground isn’t frozen.
Q: What if I’m not ready to commit fully?
A: Start with design-only service (£500-£1,500). You’ll have comprehensive plans ready, allowing construction booking when you’re prepared. Plans can also be implemented in phases.
Q: Do you work through Christmas period?
A: We schedule around festive weeks but otherwise work through December and January, weather permitting. Projects often benefit from quiet period construction.
Q: What if we need planning permission?
A: Autumn applications mean approval before spring – ready to commence immediately in optimal conditions. Spring applications often delay projects until late summer.
How to Begin Your Autumn Garden Planning
Step 1: Free Consultation
Contact Flourish Landscaping to arrange a no-obligation site visit. We’ll discuss your vision, assess your space, and provide preliminary ideas.
Step 2: Secure Your Summer Slot
Our calendar is filling for 2026. The most popular summer completion dates are being booked now.
Step 3: Invest Your Autumn Wisely
Use the coming months for thoughtful design development. By spring, you’ll have a comprehensive plan ready for immediate implementation.
Take Action Today
Don’t let another summer pass with an uninspiring garden. The families enjoying spectacular outdoor spaces next summer are making decisions this autumn.
Contact Flourish Landscaping:
Call: 07738 178091 / 0208 399 0533
Email:
Serving: Kingston, Richmond, Surbiton, Esher, Surrey, South West London
Request your free autumn consultation with Craig Davis BSc (Hons) Horticulture.
Mention this article for priority scheduling for summer 2026 projects.
About the Author:
Craig Davis is the founder of Flourish Landscaping, with BSc (Hons) Horticulture from Bath University and over 30 years’ experience creating exceptional gardens across Surrey and South West London. Flourish Landscaping is TrustMark accredited and members of the Association of Professional Landscapers and The Gardeners Guild.
Next in our autumn series: “Essential Garden Tasks for October & November” – preparing your garden for winter whilst planning for spring.
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