How to Keep Your Garden Looking Good Over Winter

16th Oct 2024

Winter may seem like a time when gardens go dormant, but with the right care, your outdoor space can still look attractive even during the colder months. Here are some practical tips to keep your garden looking good over winter.

  1. Add Evergreens
    Evergreens provide colour and structure when most plants are bare. Shrubs like boxwood, holly, and yew add depth, while ornamental grasses and heather provide texture. Consider adding winter-flowering plants such as hellebores or winter jasmine to brighten up your garden.
  2. Mulch Your Beds
    Applying a thick layer of mulch around your plants in late autumn can help protect them from frost damage. Mulch also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring your beds remain tidy over the winter.
  3. Prune and Tidy Up
    Cut back any dead or diseased plant material, and tidy up fallen leaves. Removing old growth reduces the chance of pests and diseases taking hold over winter. Be mindful not to over-prune plants that might benefit from frost protection provided by their stems.
  4. Use Garden Ornaments
    Winter is a great time to introduce ornaments, containers, or sculptures into your garden. These provide visual interest when plants are less showy, and containers filled with winter pansies, ivy, or small conifers can add splashes of colour.
  5. Protect Your Lawn
    Try to avoid walking on your lawn too much during frosty weather as it can damage the grass. If the ground is particularly wet, lay down stepping stones or gravel paths to protect it from being worn away.
  6. Install Bird Feeders
    Attracting wildlife such as birds can bring life and movement to your garden during winter. Bird feeders, baths, and nesting boxes will encourage birds to visit, making your garden a lively space even on the coldest days.

By implementing these tips, you’ll keep your garden looking vibrant and ready to flourish once spring arrives.