Low-Maintenance Gardens For Winter
As autumn settles in across Lincolnshire and the temperatures start to dip, many homeowners begin to retreat indoors. The barbecue gets packed away, the garden furniture is stored in the shed, and the lawnmower is given a well-earned rest.
But before you hang up your gardening gloves for good, it’s worth giving your garden a little TLC to make sure it’ll look good all winter – without demanding too much work. After all, no one wants to be out there in December wrestling with soggy leaves or waterlogged borders.
At ALS Landscaping in Lincoln, we’ve helped plenty of homeowners design outdoor spaces that are beautiful yet easy to maintain. Here’s how you can get your garden winter-ready while setting it up for a stress-free year ahead.
1. Choose Hardy, Low-Maintenance Plants
One of the best ways to reduce maintenance is by choosing plants that can handle the cold and don’t need constant pruning or watering. Think evergreen shrubs like boxwood, holly, or lavender as they add colour and structure, even in the depths of winter.
Perennials like hostas, sedums, and ornamental grasses are also ideal. They die back naturally in winter and return stronger in spring, meaning less replanting for you.
Take advantage of end-of-season plant sales at the local garden centre, as it’s a great time to stock up while saving money. Autumn is also the perfect time to plant perennials because the soil is still warm enough for roots to establish before the frost hits.
Interested in finding out more? Read our blog Best Landscaping Plants in the UK for Year Round Colour.
2. Simplify Your Lawn Care
Lawns can be lovely, but they do take a fair bit of looking after. If mowing, feeding, and weeding aren’t your idea of fun, you’ve got a few options.
You could reduce the size of your lawn by adding gravel, paving, or decorative bark in areas that aren’t used much. Alternatively, artificial turf is a great low-maintenance option, especially if you’ve got kids or pets who want to play outdoors, whatever the weather.
If you’re sticking with real grass, give it a good autumn feed with a high-potassium fertiliser and repair any bare patches. Autumn is also a great time to lay new turf while the ground is still warm. You can read more in our blog: Why September is the Perfect Month for Laying New Turf
3. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
Mulch is a gardener’s best mate. It helps keep the soil insulated, reduces weeds, and locks in moisture so you won’t need to water as much next year.
Spread a thick layer of bark chippings, compost, or leaf mould over your borders. It’ll give your beds a neat finish and stop them from looking bare through winter. Plus, as the mulch breaks down, it’ll improve your soil too; a win-win for both you and your plants.
If you’d rather not tackle this job yourself, a professional landscaper can help prepare your garden properly before the cold sets in.
4. Add Hard Landscaping for Structure
Low-maintenance gardens often rely on strong landscape design, paths, patios, raised beds, and retaining walls that look great all year round with very little upkeep.
A well-designed patio or paved area can turn a muddy corner into a smart, usable space that needs next to no maintenance. Consider materials like porcelain paving or natural stone, which not only last for years but are also easy to clean with a quick brush or hose down.
You can learn more about hard landscaping ideas in our blog: The Power of Paving: Why Hardscaping Enhances Your Garden.
For further inspiration, check out RHS advice on hard landscaping it’s packed with ideas and guidance.
5. Install Simple Irrigation Solutions
Even low-maintenance gardens need the occasional drink. If you want to avoid dragging out the hose next summer, consider automatic irrigation systems or drip watering hoses.
These can be set up with timers to water your garden when needed, saving you both time and effort.
For more details, see our guide: The Ultimate Guide to Garden Irrigation Systems.
6. Tidy Up Before the Frost Arrives
A proper autumn tidy-up is worth its weight in gold. Clear away fallen leaves (especially from lawns and patios), cut back perennials that have died off, and remove any weeds before they get a foothold.
It’s also a good time to clean your paving to prevent slippery surfaces – nobody wants to do the comedy “ice dance” on the path in January.
7. Make Smart Planting Choices
If you’re planning new planting areas, think about grouping plants with similar water and light needs. This not only helps them thrive but also makes maintenance easier since you won’t need to fuss over each one individually.
Planting in clusters also gives a fuller, more cohesive look, meaning less visible soil, fewer weeds, and more impact with less effort.
8. Think About Future You
Finally, remember: every little bit of planning now pays off later. A low-maintenance garden doesn’t mean it has to be dull – it’s about creating a space that looks good without being high-maintenance.
You’ll thank yourself when it’s cold and dark outside, and your garden still looks neat without you needing to lift a finger.
Conclusion
Getting your garden ready for winter doesn’t have to be hard work. With a bit of thought, some strategic planting, and the right landscaping features, you can enjoy a space that stays tidy and appealing all year round without the constant upkeep.
If you’d like advice on how to design or refresh your garden to make it easier to manage next year, the friendly team at ALS Landscaping Lincoln is always happy to help. We’ve been transforming gardens across Lincolnshire for years, creating spaces that look great whatever the season.
FAQs
What are the best low-maintenance plants for winter?
Evergreens like boxwood, lavender, and hebe are great options. They keep their shape and colour through winter and don’t need much pruning.
Can I lay new turf in autumn?
Yes! In fact, September and early October are ideal as the soil is still warm but there’s more rain, giving your new turf the best chance to establish before winter.
Do I need to cover my plants during winter?
Only tender or young plants need protection. Use fleece or hessian to cover them when frost is forecast, but hardy perennials can usually fend for themselves.