In Australia, we’re blessed with a warm climate and generally experience winters that allow us to enjoy our outdoor area all year round. However, as we prepare for the colder months, we need to make a few adjustments to ensure our garden will survive, thrive and remain ready to entertain guests or just the family throughout winter.
Landscape expert Jason Hodges says a change in temperature doesn’t have to force us to adjust how we entertain and enjoy our outdoor areas and gardens. “A little preparation and a few smart purchases can winter-proof your backyard by transforming it into a cosy feature area that will be a family favourite year round.”
Here are Jason’s top tips for getting your garden and outdoor space winter-ready:
1. Build a solid foundation
“To make the most of your yard during winter, the important thing, before we even get to outdoor heating, is laying a solid foundation,” says Jason. That could mean ensuring there’s appropriate drainage to avoid your backyard turning into a muddy mess after heavy rainfall or laying a paved entertaining area to host cosy dinner parties. For functionality, we recommend choosing an area near your back door to pave an entertaining patio, which, if possible, should ideally be large enough to fit an outdoor setting and heating unit.
Another great way to make your outdoor space fit for winter entertaining is by investing in an awning or pergola to shelter it from the elements and create the sense of a dedicated outdoor space.
2. Lawn care
Winter can be a tough time for lawns but there are ways in which you can prevent this through careful preparation.
Choose a slow-release fertiliser and feed your lawn throughout autumn ensuring it is healthy and in good condition coming into winter. The north-east of Australia tends to get less rain than in the stormy summer months so if you experience drier winters, it’s important to keep your lawn hydrated. In the southern parts of the country where there is more rain during winter, you can switch to watering as needed. You’ll know when grass is thirsty by watching for curling of the leaves or the appearance of dry spots.
3. Choose your plants wisely
If you are in the process of renovating your garden, it’s a good time to consider plant and flower choices. Winter tends to be a time for barren branches and slow growth, but it’s absolutely possible to inject some colour and life back into your garden during the cooler months.
While there are a number of fantastic flowering plants that thrive in cold conditions, we recommend camellias, which are not only gorgeous but will flower for over six months a year in the right conditions.
If you’ve got potted plants, take the opportunity to consider their position in the garden and if you can, move them to an area that may be better suited to capturing more morning sunlight.
4. Add some outdoor lighting
With those short winter days, a well-lit garden is essential if you want to keep the good times going while hosting winter soirees.
“Outdoor lighting allows us to create an atmosphere for different purposes whether it’s for late night dinners or nights by the fire pit,” says Jason.
That’s why a practical floodlight is the best and most effective way to illuminate a large outdoor area. Although floodlights are akin to the dreaded “big light”, they are the most effective way to illuminate a large outdoor area. But once you’ve got your floodlights in place, you can then consider adding more subtle and softer lighting in the form of outdoor lanterns, fairy lights, outdoor LED strip lights and small garden stake lights. Don’t forget to look for the IP44 rating for indoor and outdoor use in all conditions when shopping for outdoor lighting.
5. Warm it up
No garden is winter-ready without a source of heat. Opt for a mobile heater to provide flexibility or a stylish yet functional fixed strip heater if you have an overhead pergola.
Backyard fire pits provide an affordable way to add real wow factor and a touch of rustic charm to your outdoor space. You can also test your DIY skills by building your own.
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