Depending on where you live, it can feel like you only get to enjoy your garden for a few months each year. But if you’re an avid gardener, there are always things to do, even over the winter. Even better, you can get the kids involved.
Besides, even if the weather isn’t as welcoming as it is in summer, you can still spend some time outside. With a few adjustments, you can upgrade your garden into an outdoor space that you can enjoy all year round.
- Overwinter Jobs
It’s common knowledge that things slow down when the weather gets cold, but they don’t stop completely. While it’s tempting to just leave the garden alone through the winter and put it off until spring, you aren’t doing yourself any favours. Instead, consider taking on some winter maintenance tasks to make sure that your garden is in good shape for next year.
If you’ve noticed any marauding weeds taking hold over the growing season, now is the perfect time to get rid of them. Dig them up and dispose of them, your plants will thank you. Just make sure they don’t simply take root somewhere else.
Many people like to compost for their gardens, but neglect their compost heaps over the winter. Now might be the best time to harvest your compost and use it to nourish your soil, which will be very beneficial in springtime. But you can also compost through winter, by installing a hot composting system to quickly break down waste.
Other jobs to take on involve perennials and springtime bulbs. The planting season hasn’t ended, you just have new things to plant. Divide your old bulbs and plant them now for next year. If you have perennial plants, research the best pruning times and overwinter any potted perennials, if necessary.
If it sounds like a lot of work, just think about how relaxed next spring will be. Or rope the kids into helping.
- Creating a Winter Wonderland
Of course, the garden isn’t all hard work. What you want is an outdoor space that you and your family can enjoy, year-round. The best way to do this is to create a wonderland to enjoy, one that is relatively weatherproof.
First, it’s ideal to have a patio or paved area in your garden to set this up. Decking will work, but your heating options will be limited as the wooden decking is fairly flammable. Heating is essential for your winter wonderland plans, or at least an abundance of blankets. Electric and gas heaters will work nicely, but a firepit is wonderfully romantic.As well as heating, you will want lighting and shelter. Outdoor lights of any kind will work, including fairy lights or standing lamps. As for shelter, gazebos made from oak are a fantastic versatile option for summer and winter. They provide shade in the summer, while providing a measure of protection against the weather in the colder months.
Laura x