A-Z of DIY & Building Guides Prepare Your Garden For Winter

Date Published:

22/05/2008

Autumn is the ideal time to think ahead for a spot of springtime colour.

Planning Ahead

Bulbs can be planted - snowdrops, daffodils and crocuses are the earliest, with tulips flowering a bit later in the season, so check the labels before you buy to guarantee a succession of colour. Depth of planting depends on the flower but is usually two-to-three times the height of the bulb.

Once flowering is over it's a good idea to deadhead them and let the leaves die back so the goodness returns to the bulb, so you may want to redirect the eye away from past-it daffs to glorious tulips in another part of the garden.

This is an ideal time to plant or move shrubs and trees, to allow them to anchor down before the growing season. It will need to be secured to two stakes until the root ball is established in its new position, and ensure the roots don't dry out during the first season. Also take time to reflect on what was successful in this year's planting scheme and what didn't work so well, so you can adapt your plans for next year.

Introduce Colour & Interest For The Colder Months

It may seem like everything dies back in the winter, but there are a few hardy little souls who flourish at this time of year. Cyclamens come in white and a range of pink shades with glossy green leaves, and add a welcome dash of vibrancy in the depths of winter. Pansies and their miniature cousins violas are a favourite, and do especially well in a sunny spot.

Graham Titchmarsh/RHS Herbarium

It's also not a bad idea to include plants that offer winter interest in your long-term planning. Trees and shrubs with interesting bark and stems provide structure in the summer and are still good to look at in the winter.

While not strictly gardening, using statues and structures in the garden also adds life to a garden during the dormant season. Another way to keep attention outside is to hang attractive bird feeders to attract wildlife, but remember to maintain the supply over the whole of the season as the birds will come to rely on it.

RHS Herbarium

Plants For Winter Colour

Winter Flowering Shrubs
Oregon Grape Mahonia
Winter Jasmine Jasminum nudiflorum
Witch Hazel Hamamelis x intermedia

Interesting Bark & Stems
Dogwood Cornus alba
Corkscrew hazel Corylus avellana

Evergreens
Holly Ilex
Spotted Laurel Aucuba japonica

Floral Interest
Universal pansy Viola
Heather Erica

Winter & Autumn Plants To Brighten Your Garden
10 Plants For Winter Interest
10 Plants For Autumn Interest