Winter is here, and while spring is generally the ideal time to start planting, there’s still plenty that you can do to make a start on your new garden this time of year.
If you’ve got a winter settlement scheduled for your new home, take this article as a guide to what you can do to create a beautiful outdoor space that is perfect for settling in. Here are some of the best garden ideas for a winter settlement.
Get planning
Regardless of the season you’re working with, it’s always best to begin with a plan for your garden. Spend time outdoors and observe the spaces you have at various times of the day. Assess what might work best for your different garden requirements.
For example, if you’re planning on a veggie garden, consider what you want to grow and the best light for it to thrive and locate a suitable spot. Same goes for a children’s playset, an entertaining space, a cactus garden or whatever else you have in mind!
Think fruit trees and brassicas
If you do want to get stuck into your planting as soon as possible, winter is an ideal time to plant new fruit trees and brassica vegetables in your garden. This is because the cooler weather will help your plants establish their roots before the warmer months arrive.
Consider planting citrus trees like oranges or lemons, as they thrive in the cooler months. Brassica vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale can also be planted in winter, as they don’t mind the cooler conditions.
Handle the hardscaping
Winter is the ideal time to work on hardscaping projects in your garden. Think walkways, paving stones, or retaining walls.
Hardscaping can add structure and definition to your garden, making it more visually appealing and functional. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to add new features to your garden, like a pond or fountain.
Install furniture and structures
Don’t let winter weather stop you from installing new furniture or structures in your garden. Get your wet weather gear on if needed and warm up with some work outdoors!
During the cooler months, your garden is likely to be less active. Many plants and trees are dormant at this time and growth tends to slow. This means you can get to work on new additions without worrying about disturbing your plants. You might explore options like installing a gazebo, pergola or a garden shed.
Consider a firepit space
There’s nothing like sitting around with loved ones by a warm fire pit on a cool night — the perfect addition to any winter garden. The warmth and light will make your outdoor space more inviting during the cooler months, and who doesn’t like a toasted marshmallow?
There are lots of ways to approach a firepit. It’s all about a cosy space with comfortable seating to create an intimate atmosphere. If a fire isn’t really your thing, you can enjoy a similar social space with a conversation corner but maybe add a sculpture or other feature in the middle. Perfect for relaxing with guests or for enjoying an evening under the stars.
Plenty to love about a winter garden
Don’t feel that your garden plans have to stall because of the winter weather. As you can see, there are plenty of garden ideas that can be achieved with a winter settlement to make your outdoor space more inviting.
With the right planning and preparation, your winter garden can be just as stunning as your summer garden!
