After a harsh winter, you may find that your garden has sustained quite a bit of damage. Repeated freezing and thawing can kill off plants and weaken timber structures. Wind, snow and rain can also contribute to damage. Fortunately, in most cases, it’s possible to revive a garden that has been destroyed by winter weather. Below are a few ways to help to get your garden back to its former state.
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Clear debris
Leaves and branches left on lawns can lead to patchiness. This is because the grass under this debris is no longer getting sunlight, and therefore dies off. The best time to clear debris from your garden is at the end of autumn so that it’s not left there over winter. However, debris can still accumulate over the winter months, so it’s important to occasionally check your garden and clear anything big. If it’s too late for that, simply clear the debris now. Spring is the perfect time for regrowth and you may be able to fill out any patches if you take action now.
Plant new grass seed
Planting new grass seed could help to return your lawn to a lush state. You should try to plant the same grass as you already have on your lawn as to keep it looking neat and uniform. Alternatively, you could consider starting over – this could include digging up any remaining grass and laying down a fresh layer of turf. Try to use high quality grass seed if you want to guarantee good growth. There are many different grass seed options to consider. Take the time to explore different types of grass to work out which is the best suited to your garden.
Prune back plants
Early spring is the perfect time to prune plants. Over the winter, deciduous plants send food reserves to their roots. This ensures that plants are well-equipped to grow back any leaves or flowers that have fallen off. It’s worth trimming away any leaves or flowers that are damaged. Make sure not to prune back plants too much as you could kill them off or prevent regrowth for several years. Aim to prune just above the node (this post offers a comprehensive guide to pruning that could be worth reading if you’re unsure how to prune properly).
Repair damaged fencing
The winter weather can cause damage to fencing. Consider repairing any broken fencing now before summer arrives. I’d suggest using a reputable fencing company like G&G Fencing or looking for one with good reviews in your area. Fence posts are the most common part of a fence to get damaged – usually from excess moisture and ice. Replace any damaged fence posts and make sure that they are placed back into the ground in concrete or another material that will protect them from the earth. As for panels, loose fence panels may need to be screwed back. This could also be a good time to repaint your fences if they are peeling or looking faded. If all of this sounds like too much work, consider whether it’s worth hiring a fencing company to repair/replace your fencing.
Clean your patio/decking
Your patio/decking may need a clean after winter. Start by sweeping away any dirt and debris. Then wash your patio/decking – you can scrub it by hand or jet-wash it. It’s worth noting that decking that has not been sealed for a long time may get damaged in the winter months. Decide whether any repairs need to be made to your decking. If there is serious rot, you may need to consider replacing your decking. Applying sealant is generally something that only has to be done every three years – ideally in the dry summer months – and can help to protect your deck from harsh weather.
Introduce new hardy plants
Some plants don’t cope well in harsh winters and will die unless you carefully maintain them. If you want a low-maintenance garden, it could be worth introducing some hardier plants that are able to survive the frost and heavy rain. Pansies, snapdragons, heather and daffodils are all flowering plants that cope well in the cold. Evergreen shrubs and trees can also be a good choice. Not only are they able to survive the cold, but they don’t shed their leaves every autumn – which means less cleaning up each year. Which plants do not do well in the cold? Sunflowers, palms, camellias and magnolias all need special attention if they are to survive the winter. The same goes for most vegetable plants (this is where having a greenhouse can come in handy).
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