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5 easy styling tips to transform your garden from late summer to autumn

Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie
Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie

The Instagrammable Alitex Greenhouse styled by Selina Lake at Chelsea Flower Show 2021 provides plenty of inspiration on how to capture the magic of the autumn season.

Awarded a 5* accolade, the display is themed around the transition from summer to autumn, providing a space to reconnect, explore and be inspired.

Stylist Selina Lake says: 'Autumn is such a rich and colourful season in the garden, and I'm delighted we’ve been able to bring to life a celebration of everything that makes it so special. I hope the space provides plenty of inspiration to reclaim your outdoor space, long after the summer comes to an end.'

Here's how to switch up your summer garden for autumn.

1) Create a cosy corner

Chillier weather doesn't mean your garden needs to be out of bounds. As temperatures drop, the addition of a chiminea, fire pit, or installation of a wood burning stove, will add some gorgeous warmth to a seasonal outdoor space. 'A garden room with mains power can benefit from an electric stove, I've used the Sunningdale stove by Dimplex for this project. The perfect spot to gather round with friends or loved ones,' Selina says.

Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie
Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie

2) Be inspired by nature

From burnt oranges to terracottas, peachy pinks, deep browns and evergreen shades, embrace the rich palette of the autumn season. 'I use Autumn anemone, heather and dahlia plants in pots to soften and bring colour to outside seating and dining areas,' Selina, who sourced all plants via Dobbies Garden Centres, says.

'Small trees such as crab apples work well to add height and interest. Cushions and throws in similar complementary shades tie the overall outdoor living look together and will make garden furniture comfier so you can linger longer in your own patch of nature.'

Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie
Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie

3) Floral displays

Floral displays and arrangements are beautiful in the home and garden. To make the most of late summer blooms, fill green metal buckets and vases with an eclectic mix, with pops of pink, peaches and marigold yellows.

Selina explains: 'British Dahlias, Echinacea, Zinnias, Rosehips and pink and rust tone Sunflowers are all available from florists now if you don't grow your own to pick. Arrange your collection of vases of blooms in a group in the centre of a round or oval table or along the middle of a rectangle shape table. As it's harvest season I like to use baskets and bowls filled with apples and small pumpkins and squashes to dot in between my floral arrangements.'

Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie
Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie

4) Work with what you have

Utilise the furniture you have in your garden and extend its use. 'Garden benches can be used to make inviting day beds with a clever use of seat mattress cushions and scatter cushions. Simply layer roll out seat mattresses and arrange a selection of cushions,' Selina explains.

Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie
Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie

You can also utilise old ceramic and stoneware jugs to display seasonal flowers. 'If you fancy a new accessory for the autumn choose something that works with the on trend cottagecore style, such a cushion with a ruffle frill edge or a linen gingham tablecloth,' Selina advises. 'Another big trend for the season is wide stripes, which can be achieved with textiles. My go to companies for cushions and tablecloths are Projektityyny and Studio Blackwell.

Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie
Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie

5) Lights on

The all-important lighting! Outdoor lighting is a quick and easy addition to cosy up your space. To achieve the perfect look in your garden, Selina explains: 'Festoon lights will add a lovely illuminating twinkle, I always use sets from Lights4fun. Tea lights and candles scattered on outdoor dining tables add a romantic feel for early evening outdoor dining. Light up garden buildings with pendant lights, I love sourcing vintage glass shades from Lamb and Newt with filament bulbs or classic Anglepoise lamps for an evening glow.'

Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie
Photo credit: Styling by Selina Lake | Photography by Julia Currie

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