What to Plant in Autumn 🌿

Set Your Garden Up for a Strong Finish to Summer

August is one of the most underrated months in the garden. The intense peak of summer begins to soften, but the soil is still beautifully warm — which makes it an ideal time for planting.

Plants establish quickly, roots develop strongly, and you give your garden the best chance to carry healthy growth into autumn and beyond.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to refresh tired garden beds, add structure, or plant fruit trees, this is it.

🌴 Palms – Add Structure and Tropical Impact

August is excellent for planting palms. Warm soil encourages strong root development, helping them settle in before cooler weather slows growth.

Larger advanced palms, especially those in 300mm pots and above, transplant very well at this time of year. Once established, they provide year-round structure and that relaxed, resort-style feel so many gardens benefit from.

Planting tips:

• Dig the hole wider than the root ball

• Improve soil with compost

• Water deeply after planting

• Apply mulch to retain moisture

• Feed with a quality slow-release fertiliser

A well-positioned palm instantly elevates a space and provides long-term impact.

🍎 Fruit Trees – Plant Now, Harvest Sooner

Fruit trees thrive when planted in August. The remaining warmth helps roots establish before autumn and winter slow top growth.

This head start means stronger growth in spring and better long-term performance.

Popular options to plant now include:

• Citrus

• Stone fruit

• Apples and pears

• Regionally suited tropical fruit

Pro tip: Always prepare your soil properly. Dig generously, enrich with organic matter, and water in with a seaweed solution to reduce transplant shock and encourage root development.

Planting fruit trees now is an investment in seasons to come.

🌿 Philodendrons – Lush, Reliable Foliage

If you’re looking to refresh shaded areas or create a tropical feel, Philodendrons are a fantastic choice for August planting.

They thrive in warm conditions and establish beautifully before the seasonal shift.

Perfect for:

• Underplanting palms

• Filling shaded garden beds

• Creating layered tropical gardens

• Indoor feature greenery

They prefer well-drained soil, protection from harsh afternoon sun, and light feeding during active growth. Once settled, they are hardy, dramatic, and low maintenance.

🌱 What Else Thrives in August?

August is also ideal for:

• Hedging plants

• Hardy evergreen shrubs

• Groundcovers

• Filling bare or tired garden spaces

With soil temperatures still high, plants settle more quickly now than they will once cooler weather arrives. Establishing them early sets your garden up for a smoother transition into autumn.

🌞 Getting the Most Out of Your Garden Before Autumn

As summer begins to shift toward autumn, now is the time to strengthen your garden.

Improve Soil Health

Top up mulch, add compost, and nourish the soil. Healthy soil now supports resilience through cooler months.

Water Smart

You can slightly reduce frequency as temperatures ease, but continue deep watering for any new plantings.

Refresh Tired Areas

Late summer can leave gardens looking fatigued. Replanting key areas brings immediate lift and renewed energy.

Think About Year-Round Structure

Adding evergreen plants such as palms and foliage varieties ensures your garden maintains interest even when seasonal colour fades.

🌿 Now Is the Time to Plant

August offers warm soil, milder conditions, and excellent establishment potential. It’s a strategic month for gardeners who want stronger, healthier results.

If you’re unsure what will suit your space, come in and have a walk through the nursery. With a strong range of Philodendrons, fruit trees, and feature palms currently available, there are plenty of options to get your garden thriving before autumn arrives.

Plant now, and enjoy the rewards in the months ahead.