Autumn’s well and truly here, and if you’ve stepped outside lately, you’ve felt it. The chill has kicked in. Melbourne’s weather has gone from sunny afternoons to cold snaps and misty mornings in what feels like a heartbeat.

While we’re rugging up, our gardens are feeling the shift too. But here’s the good news: with the right plants, soil, and a bit of planning, you can build a garden that thrives through the changing seasons without needing constant attention.

At HGS Garden Supplies, we’re all about helping locals create gardens that suit our climate. Hot, cold, wet, or dry. Here’s how to set up a garden that’s ready for autumn and beyond.

1. Cold Weather? Choose Tough Plants

You don’t need to be out in the cold coaxing fussy plants through the season. Choose hardy, drought- and frost-tolerant plants that can handle Melbourne’s moody weather.

Some native stars for this time of year:

• Westringia – compact, neat, and keeps its shape all year round
  
• Grevillea – adds winter colour and attracts birds
  
• Correa – a lovely understory plant that flowers in cooler months
  
• Banksia – iconic and tough, with long-lasting blooms

These plants don’t just survive autumn. They enjoy it.

2. Give Your Soil a Pre-Winter Boost

Autumn is the perfect time to improve your soil. The summer heat has probably dried things out, and with winter rains on the way, you want soil that can hold moisture and drain well.

Now’s the time to top up garden beds with fresh mix. At HGS, we’ve got :

• Veggie Mix – ideal for cool-season crops like spinach, garlic or broad beans

Adding a layer of compost or new mix now helps your plants settle before the real cold hits.

3. Mulch Now, Relax Later

Mulch isn’t just for summer. In autumn and winter, it helps insulate plant roots and prevents the soil from getting waterlogged during heavy rain.

A good layer of mulch:

• Keeps soil temperature more stable
  
• Helps prevent erosion from wind and rain
  
• Stops weeds popping up in early spring

We’ve got everything from black mulch and red mulch to pine bark depending on your style.

4. Use Rocks & Paths to Reduce Workload

If your lawn turns to mud in winter or your garden beds flood every time it rains, now’s the time to rethink those areas.

Adding hardscaping — like pebbles, gravel or garden stepping stones — can:

• Improve drainage
  
• Create defined paths that stay clean and dry
  
• Reduce areas that need mowing or weeding

Our range of toppings, garden rocks, and crushed rock can be delivered and dropped right where you need it.

5. Watering? Keep It Light, But Don’t Stop

Just because it’s cooler doesn’t mean your garden stops needing water especially in the early part of autumn when things are still settling after summer.

Tips:

• Water early in the day so plants aren’t sitting wet overnight
  
• Use drip irrigation or hand-water at the base of plants
  
• Check soil moisture — if it’s dry 5–10 cm down, it’s time to water

Less water, smarter timing. That’s the autumn rhythm.

6. Get Prepped for Winter Now

Autumn is a gardener’s secret weapon. What you do now sets the tone for the next few months.

• Plant now so roots settle before winter
  
• Mulch and feed while the soil’s still active
  
• Use rocks and gravel to clean up messy areas before the rain comes
  
• Prune dead growth and get your garden tidy before things go dormant

Think of it like a warm blanket for your garden; a little prep now means less drama later.

7. Need a Hand? HGS Has You Covered

If you’re not sure what your garden needs right now, that’s where we come in. Whether you need mulch, soil, pebbles or ideas. We’ve got the gear and the know-how.

Our team is happy to talk you through what’s best for your space. Swing by, give us a call, or browse online and we’ll help you prep your garden for a calm, colourful winter.

Need delivery? Easy. We’ve got trucks heading out across Melbourne every day. Let us help you get your garden autumn-ready the smart way.