Landscaping Projects 2026
January is a funny month. Whilst there has already been a significant snowfall countrywide across the UK, the last time there was any notable snow in Lincolnshire was March 2023 – it’s rare!
So whilst the weather’s doing whatever it feels like, and the garden looks like it’s decided to have a lie-in until spring, it’s highly unlikely that the white (wet) stuff will get in your way. January is actually one of the best times of year to plan garden improvements.
There’s no pressure. No weeds growing at record speed. No lawn demanding attention. Just time to think clearly about what you want your garden to look like and how you want to use it in 2026.
Here’s how to make the most of the New Year and plan landscaping projects properly, without rushing and without wasting money.
Take a Look Back Before Planning Ahead
Before jumping into new ideas, it’s worth thinking about last year. Be honest with yourself.
Did the patio actually get used, or did everyone end up standing in the kitchen again? Was the lawn more mud than grass by autumn? Did the garden feel like a pleasure, or just another thing on the to-do list?
January gives you a clear view of what’s working and what isn’t. If something didn’t get used, there’s probably a reason. If an area felt hard to manage, it’s likely the design needs adjusting.
If maintenance felt like too much hard work, our blog on Creating a Low-Maintenance Garden Before Winter Sets In is a good place to start.
Decide How You Want to Use Your Garden in 2026
A good garden isn’t just about looks. It needs to work for your day-to-day life.
Ask yourself:
- Do you want space for entertaining?
- Somewhere safe for children or pets?
- A quiet corner for a cuppa and five minutes’ peace?
- Easy access paths that don’t turn into skating rinks in winter?
Once you know how you want to use the space, decisions become much easier. There’s no point squeezing in flower beds if what you really want is a bigger seating area.
If family use is important, our blog How to Create a Family-Friendly Garden Space offers plenty of practical ideas.
Set a Sensible Budget Early On
It’s easy to get carried away when planning a garden. One minute you’re thinking about new paving, the next you’re pricing up outdoor kitchens and wondering where it all went wrong.
Setting a clear budget early helps keep plans realistic. A professional landscaper can then suggest materials and designs that give the best results without cutting corners.
January is also a great time to plan budgets properly. There’s no rush, and no temptation to make snap decisions because the sun’s out and you want it finished by the weekend.
Gather Inspiration Without Getting Overwhelmed
This is the fun part. Winter evenings are perfect for gathering ideas.
Look at:
- Other gardens locally
- Online galleries and garden design websites
- Previous ALS Landscaping blog posts
Some helpful reads include:
- The Power of Paving: Why Hardscaping Enhances Your Garden
- Creating Year-Round Interest in Your Garden
The key is not to copy everything you see. Pick ideas that suit your space, your lifestyle and the Lincolnshire climate.
Think Practically About Timing
Some garden projects are best done at certain times of year. Planning in January means you can get the timing right.
For example:
- Paving and structural work can often start in early spring
- Turfing is best planned for spring or early autumn
- Planting schemes benefit from proper seasonal timing
By planning now, you avoid the spring rush when everyone suddenly realises they want work done yesterday.
This is also why it pays to speak to professionals early. ALS Landscaping Lincoln can help schedule work so everything runs smoothly once conditions are right.
Don’t Forget the Basics
Big changes are exciting, but small improvements often make the biggest difference.
Consider:
- Improving drainage to avoid waterlogged areas
- Adding proper edging to keep borders tidy
- Replacing awkward steps or uneven paths
- Improving access between different parts of the garden
These are the details that make a garden easier to live with, not just nicer to look at.
Plan for All Seasons, Not Just Summer
It’s tempting to design a garden purely for summer, but a good garden should look decent all year round.
Think about:
- Evergreens for winter structure
- Plants with autumn colour
- Lighting for darker evenings
- Hardscaping that still looks smart in January
Our blog Winter Garden Plants That Thrive in Cold Weather is useful here
For wider seasonal advice, the RHS also has a solid planning guide.
Get Professional Advice Early
You don’t need every detail nailed down in January, but early conversations help shape realistic plans.
A professional landscaper can:
- Assess your space properly
- Spot potential issues early
- Suggest ideas you may not have considered
- Help you avoid costly mistakes
By the time spring arrives, you’ll be ready to move forward with confidence rather than panic-booking and hoping for the best.
Conclusion
January might not look like gardening season, but it’s the perfect time to plan. With fewer distractions and no pressure to rush, you can think clearly about what you want from your garden in 2026.
Whether it’s a full redesign or a few smart improvements, planning now means better results later. And when spring arrives, you’ll be ready to get started instead of wishing you’d planned sooner.
If you’d like help turning ideas into a practical plan, ALS Landscaping Lincoln are always happy to talk things through and help you make the most of your outdoor space.
FAQs
Is January too early to plan garden landscaping?
Not at all. January is ideal because there’s time to plan properly without rushing.
Can landscaping work start in winter?
Some work can, especially design and preparation. Most construction work starts once ground conditions improve.
How long does it take to plan a garden makeover?
That depends on the size of the project, but starting in winter gives you plenty of breathing room.