Winter is a time when we see our garden in its bare form and can look at making changes for the new year. If you have an upstairs, take a few pictures of the garden from a bedroom window so you have a visual of its design to study.
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Trees and bushes can quickly become sunblocks and if you didn’t plant them for that reason, now would be a time to use your hedgetrimmer to trim them back or if they are small enough, relocate them. Unless it is an evergreen which benefits from Spring maintenance, winter is a dormant time for flora and a good time to trim or move. Pruning larger trees would require a tree surgeon, smaller trees and shrubs can be cut back to a suitable size and shape. If you are relocating, start by digging a large hole in the new position. Dig around the plant at 60-80cm from the main trunk or stem and gently remove it keeping as much of the root as possible. Transfer it immediately to the new spot and add plenty of water, continue to water it regularly but do make sure its not flooded.
If conditions aren’t freezing, changing the shape of your lawn can be a completed in a day. Adding curves or removing sections to increase border sizes can easily be actioned with a sharp spade. Straight lines can be marked with string or curves can be created using a template made from sturdy cardboard or ply. If you want to grass over an unused vegetable patch or remove borders, this is best left until Spring when you can reseed or turf.
Wind can cause disruption in the garden from blown pots, wobbly fences and plant damage. The best windbreak for your garden is something semi-permeable rather than solid. A wind break that slows the wind down will be more effective than a fence or wall that wind can travel up causing damage either side. There are some shrubs and trees that are suitable for Winter planting if conditions aren’t freezing, a few to mention are, privet, maple, hawthorn and roses. Instead of planting in the winter months, erecting hazel and willow hurdles will not only be effective, they are attractive design features.
Adding extra storage in the garden is extremely beneficial. If you find you have a pile of outdoor toys without a home and garden furniture that’s left to the elements, then additional garden storage should be considered. Storing products away not only makes the garden look more pleasing to the eye if you find yourself replacing items due to fading or becoming brittle; you will save you money too.
If the weather is too cold and you’d rather be snuggled up in the house with a mug a tea, Winter is the best time to start planning jobs for Spring. Setting a budget, planning and acquiring prices can all be done from indoors.