Don't neglect your garden this autumn/winter, keep it in tip-top condition with help from Onduline.
We all know the UK weather is unpredictable and so it is even more important to make sure your garden is ready for what might come this winter. It is easy to neglect our green spaces during the colder months but just because we can’t spend time outside dining in our garden in winter (unless you’re feeling a little wild) there are still some very important jobs to consider to keep it in tip-top condition for when you can.
To help you, we’ve rounded up our top tips for protecting your garden this winter. Let’s start…
1. Flower beds
It’s time to clear up those bedding areas so get digging out your dead plants, give your perennials the chop, (unless they’re all-year-round evergreens and they’ll just need a little snip snip) and lay some fertiliser or mulch, such as dry leaves, bark or old newspaper, to help nurture your soil during the cooler months to come. You’ll also want to dig up any bulbs that haven’t bloomed and store them in a breathable container, preventing rot and allowing you to replant them when the time comes.
2. Protect your tenders
A greenhouse could be invaluable!
Tender plants that are more vulnerable to frosts such as citrus plants, herbs and winter salads, will need to be moved to somewhere where they can be protected and where they can continue to bloom. A greenhouse is a perfect place! Why not build your own with our range of plastic sheets including our ONDUCLAIR PC featured in this wonderful wooden greenhouse. If you’d rather not make the commitment to a new garden building you can also bring these tender plants inside your home and place them on a cool windowsill.
3. Plant evergreens
Your garden doesn’t need to be dull just because winter is coming! Add a splash of colour with more hardy plants which will bloom throughout the colder months. An evergreen perennial which is perfect for winter as it still blossoms beautiful violet flowers is the Iris unguicularis also known as the Algerian winter iris. You can find out more about this plant over on the Royal Horticultural Society’s website.
4. Cover open waters aka ponds!
In the winter months, your pond and other open water areas can easily collect leaves and other debris on top which can have adverse effects on the quality of the water and the wildlife living in the water. Place a layer of mesh or tarpaulin over the top and routinely collect the leaves and other debris that land on top and turn it into compost!
5. Don’t forget your shed
Make sure it’s weatherproof!
Any garden outbuilding or shed will definitely need winter-proofing especially as you are likely to be storing your soft furnishings, garden furniture and/ or expensive garden tools in there. Maybe you plan on using your shed or outdoor building as a new home office or relaxing hobby room this winter - even more reason to make sure it is weatherproof!
All of our roofing sheets are ideal to help make sure your garden outbuilding or shed is ready for winter. Lightweight, easy to install and with no specialist tools required, they all come with a waterproof guarantee too. Our ONDULINE CLASSIC sheets are our most popular range and we absolutely love how Ella of Instagram account @therussellshome has picked one of our more colourful choices with her shed - it really adds to the overall look and style.
6. Think about the birdies
Birds, mostly non-migratory, can be more vulnerable in the colder months of winter as they find it harder to collect food and find shelter so make sure to keep your bird feeders well stocked and why not create a cosy little birdhouse for them too. You could even match the design of your shed by adding a little bit of Onduline roofing, especially as it will make the birdhouse super waterproof! Don’t forget to keep an eye out for hedgehogs too.
Ready to get started on winter-proofing your garden? Our roofing can be purchased via our eShop as well as select ranges available at Amazon, Wickes and The Range.
Discover the full range at onduline.co.uk.