5 Tips for Looking After Your Garden in the Winter Weather

As the UK braces itself for the chilly embrace of winter, it's vital not to neglect our gardens. The frost-laden mornings and shorter days bring unique challenges that demand our attention. 

Neglecting garden care in winter can have several detrimental effects. Plants left vulnerable to frost can suffer from cell damage, leading to stunted growth or even death. Lawns can become waterlogged and compacted, making them susceptible to disease and unsightly bald patches. Moreover, ignoring pruning or general maintenance can result in overgrown, weak, and disease-prone plants come spring.

So, how often should you tend to your garden in winter? The answer varies depending on the specific needs of your garden and the whims of British weather. In this guide, we'll explore five indispensable winter garden tips to keep your green space flourishing even in the coldest months.

Make the most of the winter months and utilise your garden all year round.

How to look after your garden in the winter

Shield vulnerable plants from frost

In the UK, where winter can be harsh and unpredictable, protecting your plants from frost is crucial. Frost can cause the water in plant cells to freeze, damaging the cell wall and leading to wilting, browning, and even the death of the plant. You’ll need to wrap vulnerable plants, such as cordylines, olive trees and tree ferns in garden fleece and consider moving potted plants into a sheltered spot such as indoors or in a greenhouse.

Keep up with your pruning

Winter is the ideal time for pruning many plants. This not only keeps them looking tidy but also encourages healthy growth come spring. You should try to focus on dormant plants, removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches first; and then thinning out where needed, cutting any branches that cross over others or grow inward towards the centre of the plant.

However, there are some plants you should avoid pruning as this can harm their growth cycle or make them more susceptible to winter damage. These are spring-flowering shrubs, such as forsythia or rhododendrons, as well as certain tender plants such as hydrangeas and roses, which are best pruned after the threat of frost has passed. Don’t forget that some of these plants, such as hydrangeas and ornamental grasses can look stunning frosted over in winter. 

Don’t forget to maintain your lawn

Come the winter months, many of us completely leave our lawn alone - however this can be the root of many issues come summer. Just because you don’t need to mow it as frequently does not mean it doesn’t require care! 

Your lawn can suffer in winter, battling issues like frost and waterlogging. To maintain a healthy lawn, reduce foot traffic during frosty periods. In the run up to winter, adjust your mowing routine, raising the height of your mower blades to avoid cutting the grass too short, which can weaken it. You should also remove any fallen leaves and other debris throughout winter months, as this can smother the grass and cause disease. 

Continue supporting wildlife

Winter in the UK can be a tough time for local wildlife, with natural food sources scarce and the cold setting in. Birds like robins and blackbirds, and even small mammals such as hedgehogs and squirrels, find it challenging to sustain themselves. This period also sees many insects, including butterflies and bees, enter a state of hibernation or lay eggs.

Families can make a significant difference by setting up bird feeders filled with seeds, nuts, and suet, and ensuring there's a supply of fresh, unfrozen water. Leaving out specific hedgehog food or meaty cat/dog food (but not milk or bread) can be lifesaving for hedgehogs coming out of hibernation. 

It's also helpful to plant berry-producing shrubs and ivy, which provide both food and shelter. Creating habitats is equally important; leaving parts of the garden wild with leaf piles or logs can offer crucial shelter. Finally, it's crucial to be mindful of garden activities like bonfires or pruning, as they can disturb or harm wildlife. 

Prepare for spring

Many forget about their garden entirely during the winter, which can lead to disappointment come spring/summer when your garden isn’t in a good way. This is why you should utilise the quieter winter period to plan for spring. This is a great time to order seeds, clean and repair tools, plan new landscaping or work with a garden designer to renovate your garden for the better weather. Whether you plan on making your outdoor living space more usable year-round, with additions such as a pergola or an outdoor kitchen, or whether you want to bring the spa feeling to home with a swim spa. Preparation made during winter can set you up for enjoying your garden even more, come the summer months.

Make the most of winter and get prepared ahead of spring to utilise every second you can as the weather warms up.

How to make your garden look pretty during winter

Creating a visually appealing garden during the winter months involves a blend of strategic planting and adding luxurious outdoor living elements that enhance the space's aesthetics and functionality. Investing in high-quality outdoor features can transform your garden, even in the colder, darker months.

A pergola, elegantly draped with evergreen climbers like ivy or clematis, can be a stunning focal point in your winter garden. This structure not only adds architectural interest but also provides a framework for temporary or built-in lighting, creating a magical effect on frosty evenings. 

Adding a fire pit or a stylish outdoor fireplace nearby not only elevates the luxury of your space but also provides a cosy, inviting ambience, perfect for gathering with family and friends on chilly nights. Complement these structures with plush, weather-resistant outdoor furniture, adorned with warm throws and cushions, to create an irresistibly comfortable outdoor living area.

For plant selections, focus on winter-flowering plants and shrubs like hellebores, known for their beautiful, frost-resistant blooms, or the vibrant berries of pyracantha, which add splashes of colour against the winter grey. 

To complete the picture, strategic placement of outdoor lighting along pathways or highlighting key features of your garden can transform the space into a captivating winter wonderland, enhancing both the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space during the colder months.

Speak with our expert garden design team

If you’re looking to optimise your outdoor space year-round or maintain it for the next spring/summer, apply these tips. Following these winter garden tips will not only protect your garden but also prepare it for the year ahead. 

Winter gardening in the UK might seem daunting, but with the right care and attention, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Do you have any winter garden tips of your own? For more garden design insights, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter below and follow us on social media.