Issue 32One Garden Thing

Sometimes the hardest part of gardening is to put your foot outside the door. It gets harder at this time of year with shortening daylight hours but if you can seek out that autumnal sunshine on the brighter, drier days then read on, as M.T. O’Donnell got suggestions to help get you outside.

Forget the to-do list and focus on #OneGardenThing that gets you outside for a sense of achievement, a sense of joy, or just allows you to feel sun, wind or rain on your face. Focusing on one thing may just be enough for today.
Rake LeavesTurn a chore into a meditative task. Gather leaves into piles, and either compost them or make a leafmould pile. The repetitive motion of raking can clear your mind, while the fresh air and physical effort improve your mood and give your body a healthy workout.
Plant Spring BulbsDaffodils, tulips, and alliums planted now will bring joy next spring. A quick bulb-planting session is a gift to your future self, offering hope and anticipation during the colder months.
Clean ToolsTake a cloth, some soapy water, and linseed oil to your tools. A little care now will make them last longer and feel good to use. This simple, satisfying task fosters a sense of control and pride while preparing you for future gardening days.
Watch Autumn ColoursSpend a few minutes simply looking at the trees and shrubs in your garden. Notice how the colours change in the soft autumn light. This mindful activity is grounding and calming, helping to reduce stress while encouraging a deeper connection with nature.
Sow Sweet PeasSweet peas sown in autumn grow into stronger, earlier-flowering plants. Spend 15 minutes sowing them into pots to overwinter in a cool greenhouse or cold frame. The act of planting and nurturing seeds offers a comforting sense of purpose and connection to the rhythm of the seasons.
Feed the BirdsTop up feeders, hang up suet balls, or sprinkle seed on the ground. The birds will thank you, and their presence will brighten your day. Watching wildlife in the cooler months can lift your spirits, reduce anxiety, and remind you of the life that thrives in even the quietest seasons.
So set your watch or phone for 15 minutes and choose #OneGardenThing to lose yourself in for 15 minutes - it will do you the world of good!Scottish GardeningNavigationEditor's WelcomeContentsWhat's Gorgeous in the Garden?Quercus Garden PlantsGardening NewsNorth Scotland Garden Show 2026Discover Autumn in Scottish GardensNerines Deserve a Place in Your Autumn BorderFruit Roll-ups from the GardenScotland Grows websiteTomato Reflections and What I’ll Do Next YearCome and Chat About PlantsLessons Learnt and Looking AheadOne Garden ThingRoots RemediesBuild a Wind-Resilient GardenNTS Dedicate a Tree5 Trees for a Small GardenScotland Grows Show Podcast EpisodeKeep Your Garden Looking Good Over WinterScottish Gardeners Forum Winter GatheringScotland Grows Show TestimonialJuneberries: A Hidden Gem for Scottish GardensReaders Garden SpecialFrom Clay to Colour GardenA Garden Divided, A Family UnitedMine or the Chooks - RevisitedA New Build Garden Grows Wild and WonderfulFeature Your GardenA Return Tour of My GardenWhere We Are Now: Building A Food Forest in ScotlandScotland’s Gardens Scheme Calls for a Nation of Garden GiversScotland Grows TestimonialGrow Careers ScotlandGrow a Horticulture CareerGrow Your Business5 Gothic HouseplantsLast Autumn in the GardenJobs AheadWhat's On In ScotlandAutumn Joy on My DoorstepNext Issue advertArchivesScotland Grows Subscription