Feeling underwhelmed by your soggy garden this autumn and wondering where to start with a re-design?
The good news is…now is the best time to plan. Gardens need structure, defined spaces and year-round interest – so Winter is the best time to examine the bones of your garden without the distraction of blowsy flowers and lush foliage! Plan ahead before spring arrives and you could have a re-designed space ready to plant as soon as the weather improves. Here are some things to consider when designing your outdoor space;
It’s all about great bones
While the skeleton of the garden is laid bare in Winter, consider if you have enough ‘green framing’ to carry it through every season. Evergreens form the backbone of gardens as well as providing a safe haven and food for wildlife through the bleakest weather.
Evergreen doesn’t mean boring either – there are plenty of green shades and leaf textures to create contrast and interest. Consider flowering evergreen trees such as Arbutus with glowing fruits at this time of year; the colourful stems of dogwoods; textural grasses whose flowerheads catch the sun through the dreariest part of the year; or rounded shapes of pittosporum as a softer alternative to the harshness of topiary. Evergreens can be planted throughout the winter as long as the ground is not frozen.
Planning outdoor rooms when it’s chilly
This year’s mixed summer weather has encouraged more clients to consider ‘outdoor rooms’ to maximise enjoyment of this Great British Climate. These range from sophisticated gazebos and awnings to naturally planted pergolas and bespoke seating areas. As part of a well-considered overall design these can flow seamlessly from the house with access pathways and planting to soften and blend into the garden. Hard landscaping works can be undertaken in all but the harshest winters, ready for planting in the spring.
Create natural features for low maintenance interest and wildlife
This year we have been continuing to put more trees and woodlands in our gardens as the ultimate natural garden feature. They amaze clients with seasonal interest, support vital wildlife and create areas of dappled shade for contrast and summer comfort. Even our smaller gardens are benefiting from a well-designed copse or two! And the good news is, trees planted in the ground over winter are not only cheaper to buy but get their roots down into the ground more effectively.
A garden is not just for summer
Our planting philosophy continues to focus on creating colour, textural and interest for 365 days of the year. Every tree should have several seasons of interest, every plant has a role to play whether to provide contrasting shapes (globes, spires, umbellifers, foils and more), screening, foliage contrast and/or fragrance. It’s not just about the flower colour that dazzles us in a springtime garden centre! This is vital for wildlife too – after all, our gardens are the ‘green corridors’ supporting our wilder flora and fauna.
The importance of planning ahead
Every garden designer and landscaper gets booked up quickly in the Spring and Summer when clients break out into the garden for the first time – working ahead through the winter months with a designer gives you an opportunity to get ahead of the Spring rush. It’s about looking at the garden with ‘fresh eyes’ – considering what you want to feel when you are in your garden space, finetuning priorities from a long wish list, planning best use of time and budget, and quietly creating a garden over the dormant period that will burst into life come Spring.
If you are thinking of redesigning your garden and would like to get ahead this winter, get in touch:
emma@mymuddyboots.co.uk or 07702 599562
