Spring Garden Planning Ideas
When the nights are long, the kettle’s always on, and the lawn looks more like a mud bath than a garden, it might seem strange to start thinking about spring. But believe it or not, winter is the perfect time to plan your garden makeover.
While the ground may be frozen and your patio furniture’s in hibernation, this is your chance to dream big, get organised, and set the stage for a show-stopping garden once the weather warms up.
Here’s how to make the most of these quieter months and get ahead of the game before spring hits Lincolnshire.
1. Reflect on What Worked (and What Didn’t)
Before you dive into planning, take a moment to think back to the last year. What bits of your garden made you smile, and which made you sigh?
- Was your patio too small for summer barbecues?
- Did the borders get out of control by July?
- Was the lawn more weeds than grass by the end of it?
Winter is the ideal time to assess what you’d like to change. Jot down what worked well and what didn’t -this will guide your priorities when you start designing.
If your lawn struggled, have a read of Why September is the Perfect Month for Laying New Turf so you’re ready to act when the time comes.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Let’s be honest – it’s easy to get carried away when it comes to garden makeovers. One minute you’re looking at a new patio; the next, you’ve convinced yourself you need a pond, an outdoor kitchen, and a pizza oven.
Decide early on what you can comfortably spend. This helps you (and your landscaper) plan a garden design that fits your budget without cutting corners. Remember, a professional landscaping team like ALS Landscaping Lincoln can suggest clever ways to maximise impact while keeping costs sensible.
Factor in not just materials but also preparation, labour, and finishing touches like lighting or planting.
3. Gather Inspiration
Winter is when ideas bloom – even if your garden doesn’t. Spend time scrolling through Pinterest, watching garden design shows, or visiting local garden centres for ideas (yes, they’re still worth a wander even in winter).
You can also revisit some of our earlier blog posts for inspiration:
- Creating Year-Round Interest in Your Garden with Professional Landscaping
- Eco-Friendly Landscaping: Sustainable Ideas for Your Outdoor Space
- The Power of Paving: Why Hardscaping Enhances Your Garden
Create a mood board of colours, materials, and styles you love. Whether you’re drawn to modern porcelain paving or traditional brickwork, having a clear idea helps turn vague dreams into practical plans.
4. Think About Function as Well as Style
A beautiful garden is great – but it needs to work for you too. When planning, consider how you use the space:
- Do you need a safe play area for children or pets?
- Would you like a low-maintenance garden that won’t eat up your weekends?
- Are you dreaming of a seating area for entertaining (ideally with a heater for those chilly British evenings)?
Winter planning gives you time to think about layout and functionality without feeling rushed. Our post on Creating a Family-Friendly Garden Space has some great practical ideas.
5. Prepare for Practicalities Early
Some garden improvements take more groundwork (literally) than others. If you’re considering new paving, raised beds, or even changes to levels or drainage, planning in winter means your project can start promptly once conditions allow.
Professional landscapers often get booked up early for spring projects – another reason to start planning now rather than waiting for the first daffodil to appear.
Soil in Lincolnshire tends to stay workable well into early winter, so early preparation can sometimes begin before spring fully arrives.
6. Choose Plants with the Seasons in Mind
It’s easy to pick plants based on looks alone, but timing matters. If you plan now, you can order bulbs, trees, and shrubs ready to plant in early spring – when conditions are ideal.
Focus on year-round structure. Combine evergreens with perennials that bloom in stages so your garden looks good in every season. For ideas, check out Best Landscaping Plants for UK Gardens: Year-Round Colour.
7. Consider Sustainability
Eco-friendly gardens are more than just a trend – they’re practical too. Permeable paving, rainwater harvesting, and native planting not only help the environment but also save time and money in the long run.
Our post on Eco-Friendly Landscaping has plenty of tips on how to design a greener garden without compromising on style.
For broader sustainable gardening advice, visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s guide to eco gardening.
8. Talk to the Professionals Early
If you’re thinking about a professional landscaping project, now’s the time to book a consultation. By starting discussions in winter, you’ll have your plans finalised and ready for action when spring arrives.
At ALS Landscaping Lincoln, we take the time to understand what you want from your garden – whether it’s a full redesign or just a few key improvements. Winter gives us the breathing space to design carefully, source materials, and make sure everything’s ready for the first hint of spring sunshine.
Conclusion
Winter might seem like a time for hibernation, but it’s actually the best season to plan, dream, and prepare. A bit of thought now can make next spring’s transformation smoother, quicker, and far more rewarding.
So, while your garden might be resting, grab a notebook, pour yourself a cuppa, and start planning your spring makeover. By the time the first snowdrops appear, you’ll be ready to bring your ideas to life – with a little help from ALS Landscaping Lincoln, of course.
FAQs
Can landscaping work be done in winter?
Yes – while planting is limited in frozen conditions, many landscaping projects like paving, fencing, and design planning can happen all winter.
When should I contact a landscaper for a spring project?
Ideally by January or February. It allows time for design, quotes, and scheduling before the spring rush begins.
What’s the easiest way to refresh my garden on a budget?
Small changes like new edging, lighting, or rearranged planting can make a huge difference without a big spend.