AFTER months without any rain, a hefty hosepipe ban and nearly six weeks of kids’ footfall, I’m a bit done with my garden right now.
Controversial, I know, especially as I’m fully aware there are seeds I could be planting and pruning and tidying jobs I could do.
Rupert Keys is the author of The Garden DIY Book — a thorough ‘how to’ on landscaping jobs, from beginner- level upwards, that comes out next month Credit: Dorling Kindersley: Jason Ingram
Rupert gives his tips on creating a successful landscaping project Credit: Dorling Kindersley: Jason Ingram
But once I’ve spent eight billion hours watering my outside space by hand each day, the idea of starting again in my dustbowl garden is exhausting.
So instead I’ve been dreaming about what to do when the colder weather finally arrives — and it all involves landscaping.
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Ideally I’d like to build a pergola this winter.
And if you’re thinking the same — or fancy laying a new path or patio — autumn onwards is the perfect time to do it.
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Not only has everything died back a bit, the ground should be softer from rain, so better for construction.
Plus, it means you can get it all done in time for spring, when you want to be back out there more.
And materials such as cement, mortar and grout will dry more quickly and efficiently in cooler weather.
Rupert Keys is the author of The Garden DIY Book — a thorough ‘how to’ on landscaping jobs, from beginner- level upwards, that comes out next month.
He also runs landscaping training academy TASK and has been involved in more than 70 show gardens.
He told me: “One of the most important things to understand when building a garden is that much of the success comes from what you don’t immediately see.
“A large part of any project, often around 80 per cent, is in the preparation beneath the surface, from getting the ground right to using the correct materials.”
He added: “Do not struggle. Preparation means planning your project.
“And if there are certain pieces of equipment you might not be able to hire or work yourself, there is no shame in getting help.
“Support local landscapers and contractors — there are groundworkers that can help you with anything.”
The Garden DIY Book, published by DK Books, is out in September.
Also in Veronica’s Column this week….
Top tips, gardening news, Plant of the Week and a memberships to Exbury Gardens competition.
For more gardening content, follow me @biros_and_bloom
WIN: WE’RE giving away FIVE family memberships to Exbury Gardens in Hampshire.
Known for its rare trees and shrubs and Rhododendron Line steam railway, it is a great day out.
To be in with a chance of winning, visit thesun.co.uk/EXBURY or write to Jattvibe Gardening Exbury Competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP.
Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm, September 5, 2026.
T&Cs apply.
ACE WAY TO SAVE AN ACER: WORRIED about your acer going crispy? You are not the only one. But don’t panic – it is normal.
It is common for acers, or Japanese maples, to struggle in extreme heat as their thin leaves dry out quickly, leading to scorched edges.
To care for them during the heat, water deeply at the tree base early in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the foliage.
If you can, apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the root zone to retain essential moisture.
Move container-grown acers into a shaded spot. And if your acer is already crispy, do not prune off the damaged leaves just yet.
Scorched leaves protect inner twigs from sunburn. Water consistently, but never overwater.
Wait until late winter or early spring to prune away dead wood.
THIS WEEK’S JOB: WORK out ways of catching and conserving water going forward. Keep harvesting and deadheading. Think about what to plant to overwinter.
HOT RHS SURVEY: THE Royal Horticultural Society has launched a survey to understand how this summer’s heat has affected your garden.
It wants to know what plants have thrived, struggled or surprised you.
The aim is to improve its understanding of plant resilience, support future climate adaptation research and inform RHS gardening advice.
Complete the survey by September 30 at surveymonkey.com/r/6L9S3DT.
PLANT OF THE WEEK: SEDUM MATRONA is drought tolerant.
For 20 per cent off, see http://www.thompson-morgan.com/sunoffers.
T&Cs apply.
