Edward Thomson
Director, Residential Agency
Gardens can be a lot of work - even in winter. But you can plan your outside space so it’s not only beautiful and functional but also low maintenance during the winter months. Edward Thomson, in our Chelsea office, gives us a few tips…
Gardens can be a lot of work - even in winter. But you can plan your outside space so it’s not only beautiful and functional but also low maintenance during the winter months. Edward Thomson, in our Chelsea office, gives us a few tips…
Whether you’ve got a second home that you want to close up over the winter or simply don’t have the time to be managing and mowing a large lawn when the days get colder, having a low maintenance garden could be the answer.
And low maintenance doesn’t have to mean dull. You can have a garden that can be used all-year round with the minimum of fuss. Here’s how…
The right grasses
Lawns need mowing, seeding and managing. And during winter can become boggy, muddy and over grown. It’s time to cut back on the turf and go for ornamental grasses instead.
Mix types like the smaller Festuca glauca, or Elijah Blue, which only needs cutting back every few years, with more structural grasses like Miscanthus sinensis, whose silvery heads gently blow in the winter breeze.
Many tall grasses can be left alone to die back and return the following year. Or, you simply need to go out and cut them all back once the summer’s over. Avoid using bamboo though as you’ll find yourself spending all your hours cutting down new shoots.
If you do need some lawn, go for hard-wearing types of turf, such as a rye grass, that need less maintenance. And keep it square so it’s easier to mow.
Paving the way
Hard-wearing, easy-clean natural stone paving can look amazing when bordered by large, structural grasses. Or go for some decking – use different levels and styles to create a sense of space and variety.
A good tip for those thinking of replacing grass with paving or decking is to instead go for a green wall. Use small succulents or climbing plants like honeysuckle to give your garden a touch of nature without the effort of having to mow the lawn every fortnight.
Fewer larger plants
For areas of planting try and avoid smaller plants that need a lot of attention. Instead opt for large, fuller planets that will take up a lot of room and provide large areas of flowers in the summer. When winter comes they simply need to be cut back.
Flowering shrubs are a great option as once you’ve done a bit of upfront work like mulching and putting down a weed-resistance membrane they’ll need next to no maintenance. Shrubs like the Springwood White heather or the Golden Glory will provide flowers during winter as well.
For infill plants, use perennials like geranium which flower yearly and need little attention.
Keep your garden green and structured during the winter months with some evergreens. Small fir trees can make a dramatic impact if used well, while smaller box shrubs will provide a strong line and sense of space.
Usable outside space
You don’t have to be constantly monitoring your garden (or the weather) to have some stylish and usable outside space. Pergolas or outhouses make a great spot for having a hot chocolate on a mild winter’s day and need little work. You can also include a fire pit and a few blankets so you can pop outside no matter what the weather’s like.
Extend your inside space by incorporating large glass doors to your living area with a small overhang. This means all you need to do is slide open the doors and you’re outside.
Ditch the kitchen garden
Kitchen gardens are great but need lots of work. Maybe it’s time to get rid of them and replace it with a herb garden. Many herbs are perennial and will grow just fine on their own from the hardy thyme to feathery fennel.
Go for the wild meadow look
And if all else fails, go for the wild meadow look. Select a few wild flowers and sew them in your borders and let nature takes its course. You won’t know what you’ve got but that’s half the fun.