Create the perfect outdoor space for autumn

We've been living in our gardens all summer long. As autumn arrives, landscaper and Garden Gurus TV presenter Matt Leacy tells us how to create an outdoor space that's perfect for cooler weather.

Build and they will come

"Fundamentally, autumn landscaping is all about bringing warmth into outdoor spaces – introducing features and elements that warm up the spaces to keep them inviting," Matt says.

That means covering up. "You might look to introduce some enclosed walls around some key outdoor areas, like outdoor living rooms, patio areas and outdoor kitchens, which often get use less in the cooler months," says Matt, who is a qualified structural landscaper and designer, as well as the founder and creative director of Landart Landscapes.

Want to go big? "Backyard pavilions can be a great option, offering loads of covered space for tables, chairs, pots and plants – and lots of protection for outdoor entertaining."

If that's not in the budget this year, "Covered pergolas, retractable awnings and gazebos can also be really good autumn additions – and you can style the space internally to inject warmth,” Matt suggests.

Material world

Materials such as wood and brick ramp up the cosy factor outdoors, too: "Introducing timber into your spaces is also a great way to enhance warmth and organic tone," says Matt. "You might look to add some timber to part of your bench seating or your fire pit area. Exposed brick is another great material for autumn, with an abundance of warmth and texture." 

Don't forget soft furnishings like cushions and chairs, says Matt: "You can bring lots of warmth into your outdoor spaces by introducing warmer colours."

Hot hot heat

And of course, the final but perhaps most element: heat.

"As autumn sets in, fire pits provide a functional and stylish way to warm your outdoor spaces and keep them suitable for entertaining and relaxation alike," says Matt. "You can sit by the fire and chat with friends and family, cook food – and they’re great for disposing of branches that may have fallen from your trees."

"If you’re going to give a fire pit a go, it’s important to ensure that the style and size of the pit suits your outdoor space and aesthetic," Matt says. "You could have a fire place or a built-in fire pit that doubles as a coffee table beyond the cooler months or just a basic iron or steel bowl – the important thing is to look at your outdoor space and consider what will work best both for you in terms of functionality, budget and look," Matt says. 

Catch more of Matt's work at Landart Landscapes.