When the Japanese anemones bloom, you know autumn is just around the corner. These tall, elegant perennials flower in late summer, just as other plants are starting to fade. With their sculpted pink or white flowers on long slender stems, they’re a dramatic presence in the border, keeping summer going just that little bit longer. 

It is great fun decorating jar lanterns because not only is it a really nice DIY project to enjoy but it also means you end up with some personalised and pretty jar lanterns to use in your home or garden. They look stunning in the evening, especially if you are sitting outside enjoying the night sky or if you need to light the way when you have friends and family over. We have put these ideas together of ways you can make and decorate your lanterns, but if all else fails or you have little time, there are plenty of lovely lanterns to purchase all ready to light up in your garden. 

The much-loved Hydrangea for the garden and home comes into its own at this time of year. Many will have been flowering for months at this point, and many will also just be turning into those beautiful late summer toned down flower heads. They look both fantastic in the garden and the home placed in a vase. Get the best from your Hydrangeas with our ideas below.

For genuinely spectacular flowers in September, the houseplant strelitzia takes some beating. With its tufts of flaming orange petals, like the head of a fabulous exotic bird, it’s easy to see why it’s called the bird of paradise plant or the crane flower. Big blue-grey leaves, like those of the banana plant, add to the tropical appeal of this striking plant. Native to South Africa, strelitzias usually flower in spring and summer, although indoor-grown plants may produce flowers at any time of year. 

These sustainable upcycling garden activities will help to give you some inspiration for reusing and recycling some of your household or garden items that you might otherwise throw away. It can be really satisfying to up-cycle old goods and can also help to add your own personality into the garden. As well as reducing waste, you can personalise items and make some extraordinary new things for your garden. Upcycling can be a lovely activity to do on your own or with kids.

Want a quick way to feel better? Get yourself a houseplant or two. A recent Japanese study showed that taking a 3-minute break from your computer screen to care for or just look at a plant can help to reduce your pulse rate and anxiety levels. Being around plants, even if it’s just a cactus on a desk, reminds us of nature and the outdoors, connecting us to a healthier way of life. Find out anything about 3 houseplants that are good for your health.