We may be in the midst of a heatwave, but the horticultural sector is already thinking ahead to Autumn and dare we say it… Christmas. But the latter time of year isn’t about endings; it’s all about opportunity. There is still plenty to enjoy in the garden while gently preparing for the seasons ahead. To support the industry and, in turn, UK gardeners, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has launched the next phase of its ‘Your Garden Year’ campaign.
‘Making the most of now and next year’ encourages customers to embrace autumn as a season of inspiration, planning and potential. While gardens may appear to slow down as summer fades, autumn is one of the most rewarding and important times of the gardening year, offering opportunities to enjoy seasonal beauty while preparing outdoor spaces for the year ahead.
From planting hardy trees, shrubs and perennials that establish through the cooler months, to adding spring bulbs, improving soil health and creating wildlife-friendly spaces, the campaign helps gardeners understand that the work done now can transform gardens for seasons to come.
The campaign also highlights the many ways autumn gardens can continue to bring colour, structure and enjoyment. Ornamental grasses, late-flowering plants, evergreen planting and seasonal textures all provide opportunities for gardeners to create attractive spaces throughout the colder months, while supporting nature and wellbeing.
The aim is to keep customers engaged with their gardens, driving fresh inspiration, repeat visits and renewed consumer interest at what might traditionally be considered a quieter point in the gardening calendar.
Backed by a coordinated suite of ready-to-use assets, designed for use across websites, social media, in-store displays, email marketing and media features, and a shared seasonal framework, ‘Your Garden Year’ continues to unite retailers, growers, suppliers and the media around a consistent approach to engaging gardeners and stimulating demand.
The campaign also provides practical ideas to inspire gardeners, including creating winter garden focal points, making the most of smaller spaces through fruit-growing projects, and supporting wildlife with simple actions such as creating a wild bird refuelling station.
Elia Johnston, HTA Director of Membership and Marketing, said: “Autumn is a hugely important opportunity for the horticultural sector. It is a time when gardeners are still enjoying their outdoor spaces, while also thinking ahead and planning for the seasons to come.
“Your Garden Year gives businesses the tools and inspiration they need to help customers understand the value of autumn gardening, whether that is planting for spring, creating wildlife-friendly spaces, or simply finding new ways to enjoy their gardens through the colder months. We have been encouraged by seeing our members sharing some great content across the spring and summer campaigns as well as supporting media features that get people talking about the same things at the same time and helping gardeners on their own individual journeys with helpful advice.”
Developed by the HTA Retailers Committee, ‘Your Garden Year’ provides a clear, week-by-week structure to support consistent messaging across the sector, helping to guide gardeners through the seasons, sustain engagement, and grow the market.
Further details and access to the Autumn 2026 resource and planner are available at hta.org.uk/your-garden-year.
