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Autumn at BC Landscape Contractors LTD: Pumpkins & Cosy Fires

As the crisp air of autumn rolls in and the leaves start to turn their fiery shades of orange and red, here at BC Landscape Contractors LTD, we’re embracing one of our busiest times of the year. While many might be winding down for the colder months, we’re ramping up—helping our customers transition their gardens from summer splendour to autumn charm and winter readiness.

From harvesting pumpkins and prepping for Halloween fun, to essential garden maintenance tasks and a booming demand for firewood, there’s no shortage of things to do as the seasons shift. Here’s what we’ve been up to, and how you can get your garden—and home—autumn-ready.

Pumpkin Season is Here!

October marks the height of pumpkin season, and if you’ve grown your own this year, now’s the time to harvest those bright orange beauties. Whether you’re planning to cook up a hearty soup, decorate your doorstep, or create spooky carvings for Halloween, here are our top tips:

Harvesting Your Own Pumpkins

Check the colour and texture: A ripe pumpkin will have a deep, consistent colour (typically orange, but there are other varieties) and a hard rind. If you press your fingernail into the skin and it resists puncture, it's ready.
Look at the stem: The stem should be hard and starting to dry out. Never pick up a pumpkin by its stem—it can easily snap off and reduce the pumpkin’s shelf life.
Use clean, sharp tools: Use a sharp knife or secateurs to cut the pumpkin from the vine, leaving a good few inches of stem attached to help preserve it.
Cure before storing: Let your pumpkin sit in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space for about 10 days to harden the skin further. After that, you can store it in a cool place and it should last for several weeks.

Carving Tips for Halloween

Carving pumpkins is a time-honoured Halloween tradition. Whether you're going for classic spooky faces or intricate designs, here are a few pro tips:

Choose the right pumpkin – Slightly flat-bottomed pumpkins tend to be more stable for display. Choose one with a smooth, firm skin for easier carving.
Scoop thoroughly – Remove all seeds and as much pulp as possible. Thinner walls make for easier carving and help your design show through more clearly.
Use the right tools – Pumpkin carving kits are ideal, but small serrated kitchen knives work well too. Try using cookie cutters for simple shapes.
Preserve your creation – Rubbing petroleum jelly on the cut edges helps keep your pumpkin from drying out and shrivelling. Alternatively, a light mist of diluted bleach can slow mould growth.

Autumn Gardening Jobs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Autumn isn’t just about pumpkins and pretty leaves—it’s the perfect time to get on top of some essential garden tasks before the winter chill really sets in. Here are three jobs we’re helping our clients with right now:

1. Clear Leaves and Debris

While the autumn leaves look beautiful as they fall, letting them pile up can smother your lawn and lead to slippery paths and mould. Rake up leaves regularly and consider composting them for nutrient-rich garden mulch.

Don’t forget to clear gutters and drains too—blockages can cause damage during heavy rain or frost.

2. Protect Plants and Soil

Now’s the time to mulch your beds with compost or bark to insulate plant roots and improve soil health over the winter. If you have delicate plants, consider moving them into a greenhouse or wrapping them in fleece to prevent frost damage.

Autumn is also ideal for planting spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. Get them in the ground now for a burst of colour when winter fades.

3. Prune and Cut Back

Cutting back perennials and pruning shrubs not only keeps your garden tidy but also encourages healthy regrowth come spring. Roses, buddleia, and fruit trees all benefit from an autumn prune.

If you’re unsure where to start, our team is always happy to lend a hand with expert pruning and garden clean-up services.

Let’s Get Your Garden Autumn-Ready

As you can see, it’s full steam ahead here at BC Landscape Contractors LTD. From harvesting pumpkins to preparing gardens for the frosty months ahead, we’re helping homeowners across the region make the most of autumn.

Whether you need:

Help with garden maintenance
Advice or assistance on autumn planting
A fresh delivery of logs for your fire
Or just a bit of inspiration for seasonal garden design

We’re here to help.

Our friendly team of experienced landscapers is on hand to provide tailored advice and services to suit your garden’s needs. We take pride in offering professional, reliable support—no matter the season.

Firewood Sales Are Heating Up!

There’s nothing quite like a roaring fire on a chilly evening, and with energy prices still a concern for many, more and more households are turning to wood burners and open fires to keep warm through autumn and winter.

Our seasoned hardwood logs have been flying out the door recently—and for good reason. Properly seasoned wood burns cleaner, hotter, and more efficiently, making it both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Why Buy from BC Landscape Contractors LTD?

✅ Locally sourced, naturally seasoned and sustainably managed
✅ Available in loose loads (for local residents within 5 miles) or smaller netted quantities for those living outside of the area.
✅ Reliable delivery to your door (charged at £1.50 per mile, over 5 miles from our registered address)

If you haven’t secured your firewood yet, now is the time. Stocks are going fast, and there’s nothing worse than running low when the temperature drops. Get in touch with us today to place your order and keep your home cosy all winter long.