Gardening in November: Bare Branches & Autumn Comforts

November reveals a different side to our gardens. As the leaves fall and branches become bare, the shapes and structure of our outdoor spaces begin to emerge. Ornamental grasses catch the low sunlight, evergreens provide welcome colour, and surprisingly, a few determined perennials are still flowering.

It's a lovely time to appreciate the garden for what it is, rather than everything we think it should be.

A Little Now, A Lot to Look Forward To

November is one of our favourite months for planning ahead. With the garden's structure more visible, it's easier to see where a new tree, hedge or shrub might make all the difference.

Bare-root planting season is beginning, offering an economical and sustainable way to introduce new trees and hedging. It's also tulip-planting time, so pop a few bulbs into borders or pots for a wonderful surprise next spring.

There's no need for a major tidy-up. Clear slippery paths, gather leaves for compost or leaf mould, and leave seed heads and grasses standing wherever possible. They'll provide winter interest and valuable shelter for wildlife.

If you still have herbs growing, harvest what you can. Dry or freeze the surplus, or bring tender varieties indoors to enjoy over winter.

Finding Beauty in the Bare

One of the joys of garden design is seeing how a space changes throughout the seasons.

Without the abundance of summer foliage, beautiful bark, sculptural branches, evergreen shapes and winter silhouettes become the stars of the garden.

It's also a wonderful reminder that gardens don't need to be constantly flowering to be beautiful.

Our November design tip: Take a photograph of your garden now. You'll quickly spot where a little evergreen structure, colourful winter bark or an interesting tree could transform the view from your windows.

From Fresh Air to Fireside

There's something particularly satisfying about spending a crisp November afternoon outdoors, followed by a cosy evening inside.

A little gardening, a woodland walk or simply enjoying the last autumn colours can lift our mood and help us reconnect with the natural world.

Then it's time to light the fire, make a hot chocolate and enjoy some seasonal comfort food.

Roasted Pumpkin, Butternut Squash & Feta

For an easy autumn supper, toss chunks of pumpkin, butternut squash and red onion with olive oil, thyme and black pepper.

Roast at 200°C (180°C fan) for around 20 minutes, add a handful of cherry tomatoes and roast for another 15–20 minutes until tender. Crumble over feta for the final five minutes and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Serve with warm crusty bread.

A little less waste: Roast the pumpkin seeds for a crunchy snack and compost any suitable vegetable scraps.

Until December...

November is a month of contrasts: bare branches and new beginnings, fresh air and warm fires, quiet gardens and the promise of spring.

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So enjoy the slower pace, plant something for the future and let nature take care of the rest.

Paul Johnson Garden Design, Creating beautiful, thoughtful gardens for every season.