How to make the most of your outdoor spaces in the Winter

Even in Winter you can make the most of your rental property's outdoor space and getting on top of small jobs now means that it will be ready for you to enjoy in the sunshine whenever it arrives.

Weed and tidy up

The first step towards making your outdoor space more attractive is to make sure that it is clean and tidy. Tidy up any areas that have become neglected, remove any weeds and neatly trim any grass. Remove moss from paths, sweep up leaves and clean outdoor furniture.

Add some colour

We think of Spring as the time that our gardens come to life and colours bloom. However, there are lots of plants that bloom happily during the winter and can add colour and fragrance to your garden. A combination of colourful pots and some winter flowering plants can really brighten up your space, especially when contrasted against green evergreen bushes. 

The following are a selection of our favourite winter flowering plants to brighten up your garden or outdoor area: 

• winter cherry

• witch hazel

• early flowering daffodils

• winter honeysuckle

• Christmas rose

• pansies

• daphne

•  snowdrops 

• and winter clematis.

Area to entertain

Whilst socialising in the garden has traditionally been a summer activity the pandemic has meant that more and more of us are choosing to create areas that are suitable for socialising outside all year round. A suitably-placed fire pit or chiminea can provide essential warmth on cold evenings. A gazebo can provide both shelter from the sun in summer and rain in the winter. The addition of a few fairy lights, blankets and waterproof cushions can create an enviable space for you to enjoy.

Tidy up your outbuildings

As the first chill of Autumn settles over our gardens it is tempting to simply throw garden furniture, toys and other summer accessories into our sheds and other outbuildings and close them up until next year. 

Take the opportunity of a quiet weekend in January to sort through these outbuildings, declutter if possible, in order to create the impression of space. If any maintenance is required, a new coat of paint or fixing a window make sure you let your landlord know as soon as possible.

Attract wildlife

During the cold winter months when their food sources become scarce, our local wildlife really benefits from a helping hand from us. As their natural food sources decline in Autumn and Winter, birds are more likely to visit bird tables or bird feeders than at other times of the year. In return for a ready supply of nuts and seeds, they provide us with a colourful and entertaining display as they flit around our gardens. Bird feeders ensure we can enjoy this display from inside our houses as well as outside and the feeders themselves can also be an enjoyable decorative addition.

If you would like more advice on how best to make the most of your outdoor areas during the Winter months please do give us a call on 01935 277977.