There is something truly magical about being in the garden in autumn. This month has been especially rewarding,  whether I’m sitting outside with a hot coffee (and perhaps a hidden chocolate bar!) or busy cutting back, tidying, and planting for the seasons ahead.

The weather has added to the charm, pet days filled with sunshine, reminiscent of high summer, yet with crisp mornings, chilly evenings, and the unmistakable feel that we are deep into autumn. What winter holds for us is anyone’s guess, but right now, the garden offers a slower rhythm,  a chance to prepare for spring while still enjoying autumn’s beauty.

Why Autumn Gardening Feels Special

Unlike summer, when every gardening job screams for attention at once, autumn offers time to breathe. The pace slows, children are back to school or college, and the to-do list is shorter. It’s the perfect moment to really appreciate your garden.

One important job, however, shouldn’t be overlooked in autumn, planting spring bulbs. While it may feel like a thankless task, bending, digging, and covering over soil with no instant reward, those hidden treasures will deliver breathtaking displays when spring arrives.

This year, my focus has been on planting Alliums, often called ornamental onions, which are some of the most dramatic and rewarding bulbs you can grow.

Why Plant Alliums in Autumn?

Alliums are hardy, reliable, and incredibly striking. Their architectural flower heads bring drama to any spring garden, and their ability to grow in most moist but well-drained soils makes them suitable for nearly every garden. Autumn (October onwards) is the perfect time to plant them, giving the bulbs plenty of time to establish roots before the growing season begins.

My Favourite Alliums for Spring Displays

Here are some of the best Allium varieties to plant this autumn and the companion plants I’ve chosen to enhance their display:

Allium Gladiator

Height: Up to 1.2m (4ft)

Flowering: Late April to May

Colour: Deep pink/purple star-shaped blooms

These tall, dramatic flowers create an incredible focal point. I’ve planted mine with Heuchera ‘Marmalade’, whose rich foliage provides a beautiful underplanting. This is important, as the strap-like Allium leaves emerge early in spring but quickly turn untidy. Pairing them with perennials hides fading foliage while highlighting the elegant blooms.

Allium Globemaster

Height: Around 80cm (2.5ft)

Flowering: May

Colour: Tight, large violet blooms

I’ve chosen to plant Globemaster next to Stipa tenuissima ‘Ponytails’. I’m excited to see how the airy grasses soften and complement the bold globes. In gardening, experimentation is part of the fun and this combination has the potential to look stunning.

Allium schoenoprasum (Chives)

Height: Low-growing

Flowering: Pink-purple, loose heads

Foliage: Attractive and persistent

Better known as chives, this is both ornamental and edible. The foliage remains attractive long after flowering, making it one of the easiest alliums to integrate into borders, herb gardens, or containers.

Allium karataviense

Height: 20cm (6–8 inches)

Flowering: Purple blooms on short stems

Foliage: Wide, luxuriant leaves

This is one of my absolute favourites. Unlike taller varieties, its foliage is a feature in itself, wide and architectural. I’ve planted groups of three in terracotta pots, where they’ll look beautiful without any need for companion planting.

Choosing the Best Alliums for Your Garden

Not all alliums are created equal. Some varieties have small, insignificant blooms or loose flower heads that don’t deliver the impact you might expect from a close-up catalogue photo. Choose proven varieties like Gladiator, Mont Blanc, Globemaster, or karataviense for reliable spring garden drama.

 

Companion Planting with Alliums

Because most tall alliums have foliage that withers early, pairing them with low-growing perennials such as Heucheras, Geraniums, or ornamental grasses is highly recommended. These plants disguise the fading leaves while extending seasonal interest in the border.

 

Tips for Planting Alliums in Autumn

When to plant Alliums: October to December, before the ground freezes.

Depth: Plant bulbs about three times their own height deep.

Soil: Moist but well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged ground.

Light: Full sun for best blooms.

Spacing: Give taller varieties room, they look best in groups of 3–5.

 

Autumn Gardening Rewards

So my bulbs are in, tucked away in soil and pots, ready for spring. There’s no instant reward now, just the quiet satisfaction of knowing that in a few months’ time, my garden will be alive with dramatic allium displays.

For now, the gardening jobs are slowing, the evenings are drawing in, and it’s time for that coffee and maybe, just maybe, another sweet treat.