January – Winter care


Winter garden care tips for welsh gardens


Winter is here, and while your garden may seem quiet during the colder months, this is a crucial time to care for your outdoor space and prepare it for a thriving spring. Gardens in Wales face unique challenges during winter, including heavy rainfall, frost, and occasional snow, but with the right care, they can remain healthy and beautiful. Here are some practical ideas and tips to keep your garden in top shape throughout the season.

Frost can be particularly harsh on tender plants. Take these steps to safeguard your greenery:
Cover delicate plants: Use fleece, hessian, or cloches to shield plants from frost and cold winds.
Move pots indoors: If you have potted plants that are frost-sensitive, move them to a greenhouse or sheltered area.
Mulch your beds: Add a layer of organic mulch, such as bark or compost, around the base of plants to insulate roots and retain moisture.

Winter is the perfect time to tidy up and prepare your garden for spring.
Clear Fallen Leaves: Remove leaves from lawns and pathways to prevent slipping hazards and keep your grass healthy.
Prune Trees and Shrubs: Cut back dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth and prevent disease.
Weeding: Stay on top of winter weeds to avoid them taking over in the spring.

Your lawn needs some extra attention during the winter months.
Avoid walking on frozen grass: Walking on frosty grass can damage its structure and leave unsightly patches.
Aerate your lawn: Use a garden fork to create small holes, improving drainage and reducing waterlogging after heavy Welsh rains.
Apply lawn feed: Use a low-nitrogen fertiliser to support healthy roots through the winter.

Welsh gardens are a haven for wildlife, even in winter. Create a welcoming environment for local birds, insects, and small mammals.
Feed the Birds: Provide high-energy bird food, such as seeds and suet, to help them through the cold months.
Add Shelter: Place bug hotels, log piles, or hedgehog houses in quiet corners of your garden.
Leave Some Areas Wild: Resist the urge to over-tidy parts of your garden, as they provide vital shelter for hibernating creatures.

Winter storms can take a toll on fences, sheds, and other garden features.
Inspect fences and gates: Check for damage and make necessary repairs to prevent further issues during storms.
Clean and store tools: Give your tools a clean and ensure they’re stored in a dry place to prevent rust.
Treat wooden structures: Apply weatherproof treatments to sheds, benches, and decking to protect them from the elements.

Winter is an ideal time to dream up new ideas for your garden.
Design your garden: Start planning a redesign or new features for the warmer months.
Plant bare-root trees and shrubs: Winter is the best time to plant bare-root species, as they’ll establish themselves before spring.
Order seeds and bulbs: Get a head start by ordering seeds and bulbs for planting in early spring.

Bring some life and colour to your garden with hardy winter plants.
Add evergreens: Plant evergreen shrubs for year-round structure and interest.
Winter-flowering plants: Consider planting hellebores, snowdrops, or winter pansies for seasonal colour.
Use containers: Brighten patios and entrances with pots filled with winter-flowering plants.

Welsh winters often bring heavy rain, so it’s essential to manage water effectively.
Improve drainage: Use gravel or raised beds in waterlogged areas to prevent plant roots from drowning.
Check gutters and water butts: Ensure gutters are clear and water butts are in good condition to collect rainwater for future use.
Protect pathways: Lay gravel or wood chippings on muddy paths to keep them usable.


With a little care and attention, your Welsh garden can remain healthy, functional, and even beautiful during the winter months. Whether you’re protecting plants from frost, supporting local wildlife, or dreaming up new designs for spring, these tips will help you make the most of your outdoor space year-round.

Need help with winter garden care or planning a garden transformation for this year? Get in touch with Green Dream Concepts – we’re here to keep your garden looking its best in every season. 🌿