October is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the colder months and plan ahead for a bright, colourful spring. At Woodies, Carrickmines Park, you’ll find everything you need – bulbs, shrubs, compost, pots and plenty of inspiration to keep your garden looking great.

Plant spring bulbs such as crocuses and daffodils directly into the soil. They’ll lie dormant over winter and bloom naturally in spring, creating a cheerful display without extra effort.

Some plants, like gazanias and coleus, won’t survive frost. Gently dig them up, place them in pots and keep them somewhere sheltered (like a greenhouse, porch or bright indoor space) to protect them over winter.

You don’t have to wait until spring for colour. Fill pots and containers now with hardy plants like heathers, cyclamen and winter pansies. These will brighten up your garden right through the colder months.

Other important jobs for October:

• Prevent waterlogging: Take away pot saucers and lift containers slightly off the ground using pot feet or bricks so rainwater can drain away.
• Move overcrowded shrubs: If any deciduous shrubs (plants that lose their leaves in winter) have grown too big for their spot, now is a good time to move them while they’re dormant.
• Protect tree ferns: Wrap their crowns (the growing part at the top) in fleece or straw to stop frost damage.
• Take hardwood cuttings: This means cutting small pieces of branches from ornamental trees or shrubs and planting them in soil to grow new plants for free.
• Prune shrub roses: Cut them back a little to prevent wind damage during winter storms.
• Clear out old pots: Empty summer pots and hanging baskets. Compost the old soil and plants to keep things tidy and ready for next year.

Pop into Woodies, Carrickmines Park for bulbs, compost, pots and expert tips to get your garden ready for winter – and a stunning spring.