*Get the hard landscaping done in the winter months*

Winter might not seem like the obvious time to think about your garden, but in reality, it’s the best season to plan a transformation. While your outdoor space may look bare and dormant, beneath the surface, it’s full of potential. Getting ahead now means you’ll be ready to enjoy your dream garden as soon as spring arrives.

Whether you're dreaming of a stunning new patio, classic Cornish stone walling, or a complete landscape overhaul, winter is the perfect time to start planning.

Here’s why:

1. Beat the Spring Rush 🌱

The moment the weather warms up, landscapers get booked up fast. Planning your project in winter means you can secure your spot before the seasonal rush, ensuring your garden is a priority when work kicks off in spring.

Why is this so important in Cornwall?

📌 Cornwall’s unpredictable weather means there are only so many dry days to work with—especially when balancing tides, coastal winds, and heavy rainfall. Getting ahead now prevents last-minute stress and avoids waiting lists when demand surges in spring.

💡 Tip: Early planning also gives you more time to refine your ideas, compare different materials, and budget effectively before making final decisions. The more time you have, the more likely you’ll create a garden that truly suits your needs.

2. See Your Garden’s True Shape 🍂

Winter is the best time to assess the real structure of your garden. With plants dormant and trees bare, you get a clear, unobstructed view of the space—making it easier to plan new features and spot potential issues.

Key things to look for in winter:

✅ The best areas for patios, decking, or pathways – Where does the sun hit? Where do you want seating or entertainment areas?
✅ Drainage issues – Cornwall’s coastal climate means some gardens struggle with water retention. Winter is the ideal time to identify problem spots and fix them before planting begins.
✅ Where to improve privacy – Fencing, hedging, or trellising can be planned and installed before spring growth begins.

🏡 In Cornwall, many gardens sit on slopes or face harsh sea winds. Winter is the perfect time to identify problem areas, whether it’s excessive dampness, erosion, or lack of shelter. Addressing these challenges now ensures a smoother transformation when planting season arrives.

3. Be Inspired & Design Your Dream Space🎨

Winter is the perfect time to slow down and dream big. Instead of rushing decisions in spring, use these quieter months to gather ideas and map out your ideal garden.

Where to find inspiration?

🔹 Garden trends for 2025 – Research the latest trends, from eco-friendly landscaping to Mediterranean-style outdoor spaces.
🔹 Cornish landscapes & gardens – Take inspiration from Cornwall’s natural beauty, whether it’s the rugged cliffs, rolling countryside, or the subtropical gardens of Heligan and Trebah.
🔹 Pinterest & Instagram – Save images of gardens you love and start building a vision board.
🔹 Speak to professional landscapers – Get expert advice on what’s possible in your space, including material choices and structural improvements.

💡 Whether you envision a classic Cornish stone wall, a Mediterranean-style courtyard, or a low-maintenance wildflower garden, winter is the ideal season to plan without feeling rushed.

4. Hard Landscaping Can Start Now 🏗️

While planting is best left for spring, hard landscaping—the foundation of your garden—can be done year-round. That means you don’t have to wait to get started on major structural changes like:

✔️ Patios & paving – Create the perfect outdoor dining space now, ready for summer.
✔️ Decking & fencing – Enhance privacy, define spaces, and create levels within your garden.
✔️ Retaining walls & raised beds – Ideal for Cornwall’s sloped gardens, helping with structure and drainage.
✔️ Garden paths & steps – Improve access and usability, particularly in gardens with uneven terrain.

📌 At M.L. Rashleigh & Son, we work through winter, helping Cornwall homeowners get ahead with stone walling, patios, and more. Starting now means your garden will be ready for planting and enjoying as soon as the warmer months arrive.

What’s the benefit of starting hard landscaping in winter?

Less disruption to plants – Since most plants are dormant, construction won’t interfere with delicate roots or growing areas.
Faster turnaround – Landscapers have more availability before the spring rush.
Immediate transformation – Once structural work is done, you’ll only need to add plants when the season is right!

*Get your space refreshed in the winter, ready for summer*

5. Be Ready to Enjoy Spring & Summer ☀️

One of the biggest perks of planning your garden in winter? No waiting around when the good weather arrives!

Instead of dealing with noisy construction in peak season, you’ll be relaxing in a fully finished outdoor space—perfect for:
🌿 Morning coffee on your sunlit patio
🔥 Cosy firepit evenings with friends
🍽️ Alfresco dining and barbecues

How does early planning make a difference?

✅ You’ll avoid delays – Materials and contractors are easier to book in winter.
✅ You’ll save money – Some suppliers offer better prices in the off-season.
✅ You’ll make better decisions – Without the pressure of a looming deadline, you can plan everything carefully and create a space you’ll love.

*Let’s create your dream space together*

6. Winter Planting & Prep for a Flourishing Spring 🌱

While many plants wait for warmer temperatures, some trees, shrubs, and hardy perennials can be planted in winter. If you’re eager to get started with greenery, consider:

🌳 Bare-root trees & hedging – Great for creating natural privacy barriers.
🌿 Evergreens – Add year-round color and structure to your garden.
🌷 Spring bulbs – If you didn’t plant them in autumn, some bulbs can still be added now for early blooms.

Winter is also an ideal time for soil preparation, mulching, and composting so that your garden beds are nutrient-rich and ready for planting in spring.

Looking to Transform Your Garden in Cornwall? Let’s Plan Now!

At M.L. Rashleigh & Son, we’ve been creating beautiful gardens in Cornwall since 1979. From Cornish stone walling to patios, fencing, and full landscaping projects, we’ll help you design a garden that works for you.

📲 Get in touch today to start planning your dream garden—before the spring rush begins!

By taking advantage of winter’s quiet season, you can get ahead of the crowd, avoid delays, and ensure your garden is ready to enjoy the moment spring arrives. Whether it’s a full landscaping project or a small patio update, now is the time to make it happen.

Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Plan Your Garden Makeover in Cornwall