When the colder weather sets in, you don’t have to rest on your laurels when it comes to your garden. Instead, the autumn and winter months are time to take stock, tidy your outdoor space, and decide what measures you should put in place to get the most out of your garden next year. Here, Nelson Potter Timber Merchants, Suffolk gives you ten steps to achieving a great winter garden.
Nelson Potter are an East Anglian, family run business selling a variety of garden products including wooden fencing and fence panels, gates, garden furniture, sheds, summer houses garages and outbuildings. Click here to find out more about our products.
Meanwhile, here are some steps you can take to revamp your garden in winter:
Check Fencing – A damaged boundary ruins the look of a garden; so when the weather starts to get colder and you have more time on your hands, it is time to check your fencing and repair any broken panels. A fence needs treating with a high quality wood preservative to prolong its life, but only do this during a dry period – early September is a good time for protecting wooden fencing.
Clean Pathways and Patios – Concrete pathways and patios get muddy and grimy over time and can lose their colour completely. Brush them regularly to prevent dirt and, after a good brush, you can start to remove moss and weeds. If your pathways need a more intensive clean, you can either brush them with soapy water, or if they are really unsightly, a pressure wash will give them the restoration they need.
Wrap Containers – Wintery weather can damage the roots of your potted plants. So, if frost is predicted, protect your container plants from the elements by storing them in a shed or greenhouse. Or, if they are too heavy to carry, wrap the pot in plastic sheeting or bubble wrap.
Rake Fallen Leaves – Fallen leaves can clutter up the garden in the autumn months, so rake them into a pile and put them on the compost heap. However, it is worth remembering that leaves put essential nutrients into the soil, so don’t over-rake your garden. When the first set of leaves fall, leaving a light sprinkling on your lawn, mow the lawn instead to reap the benefits.
Lawn Cutting – If it’s a mild winter like last year (2013), you can keep on mowing the lawn for as long as the grass is growing. Just raise the height of the blades so you don’t cut the lawn too short.
Reorganise Sheds – Autumn and winter is a good time for an overall garden tidy-up when you can focus on reorganising your sheds. Put smaller tools in plastic labelled boxes so you can find them easily, and hang larger tools – such as rakes and garden hoes – on hooks. A good clearout may also uncover lost tools.
Order Seed Catalogues – As you won’t be doing much gardening over the autumn and winter period, now is a good time to decide what to plant in spring. By ordering your seed catalogues well in advance, you can think about creating the perfect garden to enjoy when the weather turns brighter.
Trim Hedges and Trees – The timing of pruning hedges or trees depends on the type of plants you have. If you want to revitalise or restore a new deciduous tree or hedge (those that lose their leaves seasonally), pruning in winter will help stimulate root growth and give it a burst of life in spring. It’s recommended that evergreens and established hedges, however, should be pruned in summer.
Invest in All Year Round Shrubs – Evergreen plants provide year round colour, so they are great to have in a winter garden. Other options include winter flowering plants or bedding (such as heather or winter jasmine).
Store Patio Furniture – When the temperature plummets, it’s a good time to think about storing patio furniture away in a shed or garage, or using a water repellent cover to protect it. If you don’t feel your furniture is up to scratch, Nelson Potter sell a great range of wooden picnic chairs, dining sets, chairs and benches. Click on the above link to see our garden furniture products.