A beautiful garden doesn't happen by accident. It is the result of doing the right jobs at the right time. But in the busy modern world, it’s easy to let things slide until the "jungle" is too overwhelming to tackle.
At Joe's Fencing & Landscaping, we believe in the "little and often" approach. Breaking your gardening year into four manageable chunks makes the work less daunting and ensures your plants (and fences) survive the unpredictable Bristol weather.
Spring: The Big Wake Up (March – May)
This is the busiest time of year. Everything is waking up—including the weeds.
- The First Cut: When you mow the lawn for the first time, set the blades high. Cutting too short too early stresses the grass.
- Weed Warfare: Tackle weeds now while they are small and before they drop seeds. A specific focus should be on bittercress and dandelions.
- Fence Check: Winter storms have passed. Check for loose panels or wobbling posts and fix them now before climbers like clematis start adding weight to the structure.
- Feed the Soil: Dig in compost or well-rotted manure to beds to give plants the energy for the growing season.
Summer: Maintenance & Hydration (June – August)
The hard work is done; now it’s about keeping things alive in the heat.
- Smart Watering: Don't water little and often; this encourages shallow roots. Water deeply once or twice a week, ideally in the evening or early morning to reduce evaporation.
- Deadheading: Snipping off faded flowers (especially on roses and bedding plants) tricks the plant into producing more flowers, extending your display well into autumn.
- Deck Care: If you haven't oiled your deck yet, do it now during a dry spell to protect it from the intense UV rays.
Autumn: The Great Clear Up (September – November)
This is arguably the most important season for plant health. You are preparing the garden for sleep.
- Leaf Control: Rake leaves off the lawn. If you leave them, they block the light and rot the grass, leaving you with a patchy, mossy mess in spring.
- Plant Bulbs: Get your daffodils, tulips, and alliums in the ground now for a splash of colour next year.
- Cut Back: Trim back perennials that have died down. However, consider leaving some seed heads (like Hydrangeas or Teasels) for winter structure and bird food.
- Lift Tender Plants: If you have Dahlias or Cannas, dig them up or mulch them heavily to protect them from frost.
Winter: Structure & Protection (December – February)
The plants are asleep, so focus on the "bones" of the garden.
- Hardscaping Repairs: Now is the time to fix broken paving slabs or treat the shed. You won't trample any flowers doing it.
- Tool Maintenance: Sharpen your secateurs, clean your spade, and service your lawnmower. You don't want to find a rusty tool when spring arrives.
- Stay Off the Grass: Avoid walking on your lawn when it is frozen or waterlogged, as this damages the soil structure and leaves yellow footprints.
Enjoy the Process
Gardening shouldn't be a chore. By following this rhythm, you ensure your garden is a source of joy all year round.
Featured Image Image * [A flat-lay style photo of gardening tools on a wooden table: a clean trowel, secateurs, a packet of seeds, and a pair of gardening gloves, surrounded by autumn leaves and spring bulbs] Image Alt Text * Seasonal gardening tools and checklist for year-round maintenance Tags Select Tags * Garden Checklist, Seasonal Gardening, Lawn Care, Plant Care, Bristol SEO Settings Meta Title * Seasonal Garden Maintenance Checklist: A Year-Round Guide Meta Description * Keep your garden thriving all year. We provide a quarterly checklist for Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter garden maintenance in Bristol.