The weather might be starting to change into something more unpredictable, with more rain, wind and cold on the horizon, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get outside into the fresh air and enjoy your garden space.
Gardens can look wonderful as the seasons change, with stunning colours as the leaves fall from the trees and a feeling of renewal as they start to grow back in the spring. We have put together 5 easy ways to get the most from your garden for those few months in between.
You may think that the season of barbecues is over, but weather permitting, there is no reason why you can’t cook a meal on your barbecue or in your pizza oven. Simply wrap up warm and enjoy the fresh air while you cook, then plate it up and eat indoors in comfort and warmth.
The winter is a great time to plant trees, when the weather is not too warm and there is plenty of moisture to keep the roots hydrated. Clear an area in your garden and plant your chosen saplings, which will start to grow and take hold during the winter, ready to flourish and thrive once the heat starts to return.
Many birds can find it hard to find enough food in the winter months, especially if we experience a hard frost or icy patch. We can all do our bit to ensure that birds get what they need to get through this period by setting up a feeding station in our gardens, including bird tables and hanging feeders. Keep them topped up with fat balls and a mixture of seeds, you will not only help the birds, but you will get to watch a wide variety of species in their natural habitat.
Hanging some nest boxes will also help a variety of boxes and other animals throughout the colder, wetter months, offering places to stay dry and sleep in comfort. High nest boxes will be great for birds and squirrels, whilst ones close to the ground may become inhabited by small animals such as hedgehogs.
The winter isn’t always wet, so when a dry, clear day occurs, make the most of it by wrapping up warm, sitting on your bench and soaking up the winter sun. It’s surprising how much better it can make you feel and can really help to clear the cobwebs.
