Welcoming Wildlife to Your Garden in September

As the warmth of summer fades and the cool embrace of autumn sets in, our gardens undergo a remarkable transformation. September marks a pivotal moment in the natural world, as wildlife prepares for the impending winter. 

Preserve Seed Heads for Feathered Friends
The changing seasons trigger significant shifts in the behaviour of our avian companions. Many summer visitors, such as warblers and swallows, have embarked on their long journey southward. Resident birds become less vociferous, and territorial disputes subside as they seek warmth in their nightly roosts.

To support these avian residents and winter visitors, adopt a more natural approach to garden maintenance. Instead of a thorough garden cleanup, consider leaving seedheads intact, especially on plants like teasels, thistles, and sunflowers. These seedheads serve as a vital source of food for birds during the colder months, ensuring they have the sustenance they need to endure.

Minimise Weeding, Maximise Biodiversity
In your quest to foster a wildlife-friendly garden, exercise restraint when it comes to weeding. Pernicious weeds like ground elder should be carefully removed to prevent their unchecked spread. However, some weeds can prove surprisingly beneficial. Certain wildflowers, often considered weeds by traditional standards, boast attractive blooms that can be a late-season source of nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Consider allowing these floral treasures to flourish, especially when nestled amongst your shrubs.

Thoughtful Planning and Planting
September offers an opportune moment to plan and develop your garden borders. The soil retains residual warmth from summer, providing an ideal environment for robust root growth in herbaceous perennials. Moreover, September typically brings sufficient rainfall to prevent newly planted perennials from drying out, ensuring their establishment before winter’s chill sets in.

Container-grown plants, though adaptable to various planting times, benefit from being introduced to the garden in autumn. This extended time frame allows them ample opportunity to establish strong roots before the cold grip of winter takes hold, thus enhancing their chances of thriving in the coming seasons.

Onefold: Your Partner in Cultivating Wildlife-Oriented Gardens
At Onefold, we recognise the profound connection between humans and nature and have channelled our passion into curating a collection of garden ornaments and statues that celebrate the beauty of the wildlife that surrounds us.