Hello from all of us here at Hilltop! September has arrived, and with it comes a fresh wave of inspiration for your garden and home. The air is getting crisper, the leaves are starting to turn, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your outdoor spaces, cosy up indoors, and get planting for next spring.
If you haven’t popped into our garden centre in Clacton-on-Sea recently, you’re in for a treat. We’ve filled the shop with new seasonal finds, from must-have spring flowering bulbs to beautiful autumn home décor. Whether you’re a green-fingered gardening pro, love autumn decor, or someone who loves browsing garden centres in Essex for fresh ideas, there’s something here for you. So let’s dive in and take a closer look at what’s new this month.
Spring Flowering Bulbs - plant now for stunning spring colour!
There’s something magical about planting bulbs in autumn — tucking them into the soil and then waiting patiently for the first shoots to appear when winter finally lets go. This September, we’ve got a huge selection of spring flowering bulbs ready for you to take home.
Think vibrant tulips that will make your garden pop, cheerful daffodils that bring instant sunshine, elegant alliums with their striking globe-shaped blooms, fragrant hyacinths perfect for pots, and delicate crocuses that are among the first to show in early spring.
Why you’ll love them: Planting bulbs now is one of the easiest and most rewarding gardening jobs you can do. You get months of colour for minimal effort, and you’ll thank yourself when your garden bursts into life next year. If you’re new to bulbs, we’ll happily guide you through choosing varieties that work best for your soil and space. Whether you’ve got sprawling borders or a few pots on the patio, these bulbs will bring a burst of colour to your garden next spring.
Autumn themed home décor
Autumn is all about warmth, comfort, and creating a welcoming atmosphere — and we’ve gone all out this year with our autumn themed home range of décor for your home.
We’ve got door mats in cute seasonal designs featuring robins, mice, and hedgehogs to greet your guests with a smile. While you're here, take a look at our decorated autumn door wreaths that will bring the beauty of the season to your front door, and browse our garlands decorated with autumn flowers and leaves to give a lift to your mantelpiece or dining table.
And then there’s our personal favourite — the golden pumpkin lantern. It’s hand-painted in a beautiful rose gold-orange, with a crackle glass effect that gives off a soft, magical glow. With its 20 warm white LEDs and handy auto-timer, it’s perfect for cosy evenings indoors. All it needs are 3 AAA batteries, and you’re set.
This autumnal decor doesn’t just look beautiful; it creates a mood, turning your home into a warm, inviting space you’ll love spending time in. And because they’re so easy to set up, you get instant autumn vibes without any effort.
Handcrafted nest boxes for birds
We’re so excited to introduce the Munja Sari Range of bird nest boxes at Hilltop — a beautiful, sustainable collection that blends craftsmanship, culture, and respect for the planet.
Each piece is handcrafted using resilient munja grass and vibrant sari offcuts from India’s textile industry. These offcuts, instead of going to waste, are given new life as stunning and practical garden décor. The range includes handcrafted nesters for birds, each with its own unique combination of colours and patterns. They’re water-resistant, durable, and completely one-of-a-kind.
Not only do these pieces look gorgeous in your garden, but they also support eco-friendly practices and global artisans. You’re giving wildlife a safe place to shelter while adding something truly special to your outdoor space. It’s the kind of décor that starts conversations — and makes you feel good every time you see it.
Why September is the perfect time to visit Hilltop
There’s something about this time of year that makes our Essex garden centre feel extra special. The plant area is brimming with seasonal colour, the shop is filled with cosy décor, and the air carries that crisp, fresh scent that makes you want to spend more time outside.
Whether you’re picking up bulbs for spring, choosing a new bird nester for the garden, or treating yourself to an autumn wreath, there’s joy in finding those little touches that make home and garden life better. And when you’ve finished browsing, our garden centre café is ready to welcome you with a hot drink and something delicious to eat.
Supporting local
Shopping at your local garden centre in Clacton isn’t just about plants and 'stuff' — it’s about the people. We know our stock, we know our customers, and we love helping you find the right things for your garden and home. You won’t get rushed or lost in a huge warehouse; you’ll get friendly advice, a chance to ask questions, and a genuine connection.
When you buy a pumpkin lantern here, you know we chose it because we loved it. When you take home a bag of tulip bulbs, we can tell you the best way to plant them for maximum wow-factor. That’s what makes visiting an Essex garden centre like Hilltop so different — and so worth it. So, pop into Hilltop, one of the friendliest garden centres in Essex, and let’s make the most of this gorgeous season together.
