The Outdoor Living Co. journal · 3 min read · Updated 20 October 2026
Choose one useful job
Clear fallen leaves from the lawn and well-used paths. Work in small sections, with manageable loads rather than an overfilled bag.
Leave some life standing
Seed heads and some perennial stems can remain through winter as habitat. A tidy path and a less tidy border can sit happily together.
Let conditions decide
Avoid working on a frosty or waterlogged lawn. Check plant-specific advice before cutting back; autumn is not the right pruning season for every plant.
Further reading
General garden guidance can depend on the plant and local conditions. These RHS resources offer more detail.
RHS: October lawns →RHS: October flowers →