September arrives with that unmistakable shift in the garden – cooler mornings, softer light, and the first leaves beginning to turn. After a warm, dry summer, many gardens are ready for a reset, and early-autumn moisture has helped borders relax again and lawns begin to recover. But the real highlight this year has been the fruit. It’s been a bumper season for apples, with trees across the country heavy with crisp, sweet crops, and hedgerows still offering late blackberries.

It’s the perfect month for a tidy-up outdoors and a little cosiness indoors – ideal for putting those windfalls to good use. And yes, it leads perfectly to a comforting Apple & Blackberry Crumble.

Autumn Tasks for Early September

Give Lawns and Beds a Fresh Start

After the busy summer months, lawns often look tired. Now the temperatures are slightly cooler, it’s a good time to give the grass a light rake, remove any summer thatch and tidy up edges. Borders also benefit from a quick refresh – remove spent annuals, clear any debris and add a thin layer of compost to feed the soil for the season ahead.

Tidy Late-Summer Growth

Shrubs and hedges often put on a surprising burst of new growth towards the end of summer. A light trim now keeps everything neat and well-shaped as you head into autumn, helping the garden look cared for and tidy.

Gather the Fruit Harvest

If you’ve been blessed with an overflowing apple tree this year (and many have), pick apples regularly and gather windfalls before they bruise. Blackberries, pears and plums also reach their best in early September – perfect for simple puddings and storing for later in the season.

Plant Early Autumn Colour

Cyclamen, asters and autumn crocuses can all be planted now for instant cheer and a welcome touch of colour. They provide a gentle, uplifting transition into the cooler months and brighten any space that’s beginning to fade.

Start Thinking About Bulbs

You don’t need to plant them yet, but it’s a great time to plan. Tulips, daffodils and alliums look their best when planted in October or November – so consider your colours and pick your favourites now.

Need a Hand This Season?

If you’d like help bringing your garden back into shape after summer, our team at Gardens of England is here to assist – from hedge trimming and lawn care to general autumn tidy-ups. We’d be delighted to help.

Method

1. Prepare the fruit.
Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Peel, core and slice the cooking apples into even pieces. Place them in a large bowl with the blackberries and sprinkle over the caster sugar. Gently toss to coat, then tip the fruit into a medium ovenproof dish, spreading it into an even layer.

2. Make the crumble topping.
Add the flour to a mixing bowl and rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Try to keep the butter cool as you work. Stir in the soft brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon, if using.

3. Assemble the crumble.
Scatter the crumble mixture evenly over the fruit, letting some larger clumps fall through for texture. Do not press it down—keeping it loose helps create a crisp, golden topping.

4. Bake.
Place the dish on a baking tray to catch any juices and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is deep golden and the fruit is bubbling up around the edges.

Serving suggestion

Serve the crumble warm, letting the juices settle for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. It’s wonderful with a generous pour of custard, a spoonful of softly whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm fruit. A simple, comforting taste of early autumn in every bite.