Latest News
Latest News
Every outdoor space has the potential to become something truly special with the help of a bespoke garden design service. From rural landscapes to new-build properties, thoughtful design can create a garden that can last a lifetime. Here at Flower & Stone, we believe great gardens begin with people, not the latest trends or standard […]
As we approach the end of the year, I have spent some time looking into my crystal ball to identify the garden design trends for 2026. There has been a shift towards sustainability, wellbeing and multifunctional spaces as UK homeowners look for gardens that work harder, feel more personal and connect with nature. From planting […]
One of the most common questions I get asked is “what are the benefits of hiring a garden designer?”. This article will guide you through the main reasons why you need a professional team to deliver your dream garden. Creating an amazing outdoor space sounds exciting, but there is a lot to consider. Perhaps you […]
One of the key qualities of a professional designer is to know how to maximise your garden space. Whether you have an active young family or like to spend your retirement enjoying your outdoor space, you need to make every metre count. Here at Flower & Stone, we specialise in creating gardens that balance beauty […]
Creating a spectacular show next spring involves plenty of preparation, so here is our list of essential autumn garden maintenance tasks. When vibrant greenery begins fading into golden hues, experienced gardeners in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire know that it is time to start getting busy. With the prospect of crisp mornings and blustery storms, the final […]
If you want to create a garden that works in harmony with nature, minimising environmental impact while maximising functionality, you need to consider sustainable gardening. In this article, garden designer Catherine Payne explores practical options for busy homeowners. What is sustainable gardening? According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the term sustainable gardening refers to […]
Garden pergolas are one of the most effective ways to add structure and purpose to your outdoor space. In this article, Catherine Payne, garden designer and founder of Flower & Stone, explores their many benefits, including how they can bring visual interest to an otherwise plain plot. What is the difference between a garden pergola […]
Creating a garden that delights both children and adults can be a challenge, so the experts at Flower & Stone have compiled the trending family garden ideas. Whether you have toddlers or teens, we hope you find inspiration for your outdoor space. While styles and fads come and go, the appeal of an attractive garden […]
Bring a sense of tranquillity, movement and visual interest to your garden with these essential water feature ideas. Whether your outdoor space is an urban courtyard or a large country garden, there will be a water feature to suit your personal taste and property. As an experienced garden designer, I understand the benefits of being […]
Attractive outdoor spaces don’t happen by chance, and in this article we illuminate the importance of investing in garden lighting design. In our experience, lights are an often overlooked element when planning a garden, but they can transform a functional space into somewhere magical. Here are the key benefits of choosing professional garden lighting design… […]
Creating your dream outdoor space should be an exciting experience, but it could quickly become a nightmare without an accurate garden design budget. In this article, I explain the key factors you must consider to successfully turn your vision into a reality. Since I started Flower & Stone back in 2020, I have met plenty […]
Extensive building work had turned a large rural garden into a bare area of mud. The client asked me to design their dream country garden as a family-friendly space that was in keeping with the picturesque rural setting. Location: Radwell, Hertfordshire Size: 454 sq metres Aspect: west-facing, exposed rural setting Design time: two weeks The […]
Creating a beautiful outdoor space doesn’t require hours of weeding, pruning and mowing – discover our top six low-maintenance garden ideas. During my work as a garden designer, I often meet clients who are looking for a stylish space that suits their busy lifestyles. With this in mind, I have put together some of popular […]
When I begin the process of designing a garden, one of the most common questions from clients is “which is best: natural stone paving or porcelain paving?”. The truth is, each one has its own unique benefits – so to help you make the best choice for your outdoor space, let’s explore both materials. The […]
Want to wow your family and friends next summer? Learn how to take your entertaining game to the next level with these outdoor kitchen ideas… Here at Flower & Stone, we have seen more and more people wanting designs that incorporate a bespoke cooking area, complete with appliances, barbecues and pizza ovens. However, creating a […]
Designing your own garden is a deeply personal and rewarding project that allows you to create an outdoor space that reflects your style and meets your needs. Whether you’re working with a small backyard or a large plot, a thoughtful design can transform your garden into a functional, beautiful retreat. Here’s a guide to help […]
Why Winter Is a Great Time to Landscape Your Garden
When we think about garden projects, spring and summer are usually the first seasons that come to mind. But if you’re planning a new patio, planting scheme, lawn, paths or a complete garden transformation, winter can actually be an excellent time to get the work underway.
In fact, waiting until spring can sometimes mean waiting longer for your garden to be completed.
Winter Landscaping Can Make Perfect Sense
A common misconception is that landscapers down tools as soon as winter arrives. While weather conditions do need to be taken into consideration, professional landscapers can generally continue working throughout the winter months.
Landscaping work usually only needs to stop when conditions become particularly severe, such as during hard or prolonged frost or snow. Cold weather, shorter days and the occasional spell of rain don’t necessarily mean that a garden project has to be put on hold.
Every site is different, of course, and your landscaper will assess ground conditions and the type of work being carried out before deciding whether it is practical to continue.
Potentially Lower Costs
Winter can also be a more economical time to have landscaping work carried out.
The landscaping industry tends to be particularly busy during spring and summer, when demand for garden projects increases significantly. During the quieter winter period, some landscaping companies may have greater availability and may offer more competitive pricing or greater flexibility with scheduling.
Materials, labour and individual project costs will vary, but it is certainly worth getting quotations during the winter rather than assuming that you need to wait until spring.
And there is another financial benefit: getting your project completed before the main landscaping season means your garden is ready to enjoy as soon as the warmer weather arrives.
Get Ahead of the Spring Rush
Spring is one of the busiest times of year for landscapers. Everyone suddenly wants their garden ready for summer — which means diaries can fill up quickly.
Starting your project in winter allows you to get ahead of the rush.
Rather than contacting a landscaper in March and potentially waiting several months for an available slot, planning and starting your project during winter can mean that the construction work is already underway — or even finished — before spring arrives.
See the Garden Differently
Winter also gives you an opportunity to look at your garden with fresh eyes.
Without the distraction of abundant summer foliage, you can see the underlying structure of the space much more clearly. Boundaries, levels, views, existing trees and the overall proportions of the garden are often easier to assess.
This can be particularly useful when designing a new garden.
A well-designed garden shouldn’t only look beautiful in July. Good garden design considers how the space will work throughout the entire year.
Winter is therefore a great time to think about structure, evergreen planting, trees, architectural plants, paving, walls, lighting and other elements that give a garden year-round interest.
Planting in Winter
Winter can also be a good time for planting many trees, shrubs and bare-root plants, provided the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged.
Planting during the dormant season allows plants to establish their root systems before the growing season begins. By spring, your new planting can already be settling into its surroundings and getting ready for the growing season.
Of course, planting schedules depend on the individual plants, soil conditions and weather, so your garden designer or landscaper should advise on the appropriate timing.
Less Disruption to Your Summer
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of a winter landscaping project is simple: you can have your garden ready for summer.
Instead of spending the first warm weekends of the year surrounded by builders, piles of materials and unfinished areas, you can be outside enjoying the finished space.
Imagine reaching that first sunny weekend of spring with your new patio finished, planting established, lawn laid and outdoor furniture in place.
That’s a much better way to start the season.
Winter Doesn’t Mean Compromising on Quality
A good landscaping project is all about planning, preparation and working with the conditions.
Your landscaper will take factors such as ground conditions, temperature, rainfall and frost into account. Certain activities may need to be postponed during particularly wet, frozen or snowy periods, but that doesn’t mean an entire project has to stop for the winter.
In fact, a professional landscaping team will plan around the weather and schedule the appropriate work accordingly.
Start Planning Now
If you’re considering transforming your garden, don’t automatically assume that spring is the best time to start.
Winter can offer greater availability, potentially more competitive pricing and the opportunity to have your garden completed before the main outdoor season begins.
Whether you’re looking for a complete garden redesign, a new terrace, planting, paths, lawns or simply a fresh new look, winter can be the perfect time to make a start.
So while everyone else is waiting for spring, you could already be getting your garden ready for it.
Plan in winter. Build in winter. Enjoy your garden in spring.
