🍂 Getting Your Home’s Exterior Fall-Ready in Manitoba

Fall in Manitoba is a season of transition—our gardens fade, the leaves turn golden, and the chill in the air reminds us winter is right around the corner. But that doesn’t mean your yard or exterior has to feel dull. In fact, fall is one of the best times to freshen up your curb appeal, prepare your plants, and make your home look cozy and welcoming before the snow arrives.

Whether you’re planning to sell your home this season or simply want to enjoy your outdoor space a little longer, here are some tips to get your exterior fall-ready.

1. Refresh Your Garden Beds

🌿 Pull out tired annuals and weeds to give your yard a clean base.
🌿 Add a layer of mulch to protect perennials over the winter and give your beds a neat, polished look.
🌿 Plant hardy perennials like echinacea, sedum, and black-eyed Susans—they thrive in Manitoba’s climate and will return year after year.

2. Add Pops of Fall Colour

Fall planters can completely transform your front steps or porch. Some great choices for our local climate include:

• Mums (Chrysanthemums): The classic fall flower—available in vibrant oranges, yellows, and burgundies.

• Kale & Cabbage: Ornamental varieties hold up beautifully in cooler temperatures and add rich texture.

• Asters: These late bloomers thrive well into fall, bringing splashes of purple and pink.

• Pansies: Surprisingly hardy—they’ll keep smiling through frost and even light snow.

Pro tip: Pair them with natural elements like corn stalks, pumpkins, or birch logs for that cozy, autumn vibe.

3. Tidy Up the Lawn

Rake leaves regularly, but don’t feel you need to get every last one—mulching some back into the soil can actually nourish your grass. Fall is also the perfect time to aerate and overseed if you want a lush lawn next spring.

4. Think About Lighting

As evenings get darker earlier, a few well-placed solar or LED lights can add warmth and safety to your exterior. String lights around a porch or patio can also extend those crisp fall evenings outdoors.

5. Prepare for Winter

• Wrap young trees to protect them from harsh winds and wildlife nibbling.

• Cut back perennials (but leave some seed heads like coneflowers and grasses—they provide winter interest and food for birds).

• Drain hoses and shut off outdoor water to avoid freezing.

Why This Matters for Homeowners & Sellers

For homeowners, taking these steps means you’ll enjoy a beautiful yard right up until the snow flies. For sellers, it’s all about first impressions—buyers pulling up to a home with a tidy yard, fresh planters, and cozy curb appeal will instantly feel more drawn in.

🍁 Final Thought: Fall in Manitoba is short but stunning. With a little effort now, you can enjoy a beautiful exterior all season long—and set your home up to shine when spring comes around again.