The Flower Garden in Late Autumn: Dormancy, Turfing, and Greenhouse Transition

For the ornamental garden, late autumn is one of the quietest periods. Most herbaceous plants enter full dormancy over the next weeks, preparing for early winter's freezing temperatures and diminishing light. Days are often dull, obscured by cloud and fog.

Without light, plants can't manufacture chlorophyll — any growth now is stunted, pale, and cold-vulnerable.

Work focuses on finishing mid-autumn jobs and the major winter task: digging (single, half-trenching, or double). Deep digging matters less than in vegetable growing and may only be needed every few years, if soil is already good.

Late autumn and winter are traditional for turfing new lawns. Late autumn is especially suitable — soil is warm and moist but not waterlogged. Spring turfing risks poor knitting from drought and cold east winds; summer is generally unsuitable without constant watering.

Some planting is possible, but propagation stops — no seed sowing, little potting. Greenhouse and cold frame plants need increasing attention to prevent frost damage, maximize light and air (fresh air is vital at all times).