' Good preparation is half the battle', and that certainly applies to everything related to gardens and outdoor environments. Although winter may seem like a quiet period for the garden at first glance, it is the perfect time to start planning, because if you look closely, you can see the most! Without foliage, growth or flowers, it becomes painfully clear what works well and where improvements are needed. By using winter as a time for reflection and preparation, you can start the new year with a garden or patio that better suits your needs and requires less maintenance. Below, you can read about the steps you can take now to ensure that everything runs smoothly later on!
Major changes: plan now, reap the benefits later
Now is the perfect time to get started on major changes! Why? Contractors are currently more available, the ground is clearly visible and you avoid the spring rush – when the majority of the population becomes painfully aware of the state of their outdoor environment 😉. What's more, you can compare materials at your leisure without any time pressure and guarantee that, even if there are delivery times, everything will still be there on time!
Construction or redesign of terrace and garden
Are you considering a new terrace, a different layout or a modified walking route in the garden? Winter is the ideal time to plan this. The soil structure is visible and problem areas such as water accumulation or subsidence are more noticeable. You don't have to carry out major work immediately, but a well-thought-out plan prevents impulsive choices in the spring.
Replacing or combining ground cover
If you notice that certain areas require a lot of maintenance or quickly become bare, you can use the winter to compare alternatives. Consider combining different types of ground cover, tailored to use and location, so that not every area requires the same approach. For example, if you have a shady garden where grass grows very poorly, artificial grass can offer a solution.
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Everything you need to know about different ground cover plants
Replanting borders
Borders that disappoint in summer reveal their weaknesses in winter. This is the ideal time to decide which plants to keep and where replanting is advisable. Structural plants, ornamental grasses and perennials form a strong basis for the new growing season.
More biodiversity with native plants
More and more garden owners are consciously choosing native species that support insects, birds and soil life. Flower mixtures with native wild flowers are ideal for borders or flower meadows, and both you and nature will love the results!
Improving what is already there: small changes, big impact
Pruning: when to do it and when not to?
In winter, you mainly prune structural plants and fruit trees, as long as it is not freezing. It is better to leave spring-flowering shrubs alone until after flowering. By pruning correctly now, you stimulate healthy growth later on.
Protecting vulnerable plants
Not all plants need extra protection, but container plants, young plants and Mediterranean species can benefit from fleece, mulch or a sheltered spot.
Weeds: leave or remove?
It is not always necessary to remove weeds completely straight away. Some plants protect the soil against erosion and frost. Targeted removal in problem areas is often more efficient than clearing everything.
Good preparation really is half the battle!
Winter is not a time of standstill, but a strategic phase. By considering or planning major changes now, as well as implementing minor improvements, you can work step by step towards a garden or terrace that functions better, allows more nature and requires less maintenance. Those who use this period to observe and think ahead will reap the benefits all year round!
