We hope you’ve been enjoying this year’s sunny weather in your garden – because yes, it’s finally time to start preparing it for winter. It might not be your favourite job, but it’s an important one, as winter can be particularly harsh on plants and structures, so a bit of proactive care now can save you a lot of hassle later on. And with more than 20 years of experience with wrought iron railings and gates here at SL Wrought Iron, we know a thing or two about how to keep on top of your garden – so here are a couple of our top suggestions!
Prune and tidy up your plants
A fairly straightforward one to start with! One of the most crucial tasks before winter sets in is to prune and tidy up your plants. One good way to begin is by removing any dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs – not only does it help plants conserve energy, but it also encourages stronger growth when spring arrives. What’s more, cutting back perennials helps prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for pests and diseases over the winter.
It’s also worth taking the time to rake up fallen leaves and debris from garden beds, as this also helps improve air circulation around plants, reducing the risk of fungal infections. You’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your efforts properly when the sun comes out again, as properly prepared plants will emerge healthier and more vigorous in the spring.
‘Winterise’ your garden furniture
Garden furniture (like chairs and tables) often require some attention before the cold weather arrives. Most people prefer to start with cleaning them, which is a good low-effort way to go initially. For wooden pieces, just give them a quick wash with soapy water, and make sure they dry completely to prevent rot and damage. If you want extra protection, you can apply a protective wood treatment or sealant.
Plastic or stainless steel furniture will typically be even easier to clean, as you don’t have to concern yourself so much with the rot element. Having said that, it’s wise to cover or store metal furniture in a sheltered spot to protect it from harsh weather conditions, as they can sometimes develop signs of rust if they’re left uncovered. Similarly, it’s a good plan to store fabric cushions or covers in a dry place to prevent them from deteriorating due to moisture and mildew.
Check and repair garden boundaries
Garden boundaries like fences and gates play a crucial role in maintaining privacy and security, as well as keeping pets and wildlife out of your garden. Winter isn’t always very kind to them, so the fading days of summer (now, in other words) generally constitutes a pretty good time to inspect them, and make any repairs if necessary.
In terms of your garden fence, you’ll want to look for any loose panels, broken hinges, or signs of wear. For wrought iron gates and fences, ensure that all bolts and fittings are tight and that there are no weak spots. Lubricating the hinges is also a good plan, as it prevents the metal from seizing up due to frost or moisture. (If you’ve bought a wrought iron gate or railing from us, then there’s a good chance that it’s going to be galvanised for protection against rust, so you won’t have to worry about that.)
Inspect and repair your driveways and paths
Though snow generally isn’t a massive concern here in the UK, driveways and garden paths can still suffer in particularly frosty conditions, which may cause cracks and other damage. To give yourself some peace of mind from that, it’s a good plan to inspect your driveway and paths for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or uneven surfaces. If you spot any, make sure to get them repaired as a priority, as they have an annoying tendency to get a lot worse if left unchecked!
If your driveway is paved, check for loose or shifting stones that could become hazardous in icy conditions. Applying a sealant can help protect against moisture and freezing temperatures. For concrete driveways, filling in any cracks with a suitable filler will prevent water from seeping in and causing more significant damage. Regularly clearing ice (and any snow) from paths will also prevent accidental slips, and ensure they remain safe to use.
Clean out gutters and downpipes
Finally, don’t forget about your gutters and downpipes. Autumn leaves can cause particular issues for them – as leaves fall, they can easily clog gutters and downpipes, leading to potential water damage. In the worst cases, they can lead to water overflowing, which might damage your garden and home’s foundation.
To ensure proper drainage, then, it’s always a good idea to clean out all debris from these areas beforehand. If it’s an issue you’ve faced before, you might want to consider installing gutter guards to minimise future build-up. While cleaning, check for any signs of cracks or damage in the gutters that might worsen under the pressure of heavy rain or ice. Ensuring downpipes are securely fastened to walls can also help prevent problems during strong winds or storms.
Those are just a couple of our top tips – ultimately though it’s your garden, so you’re best placed to work out what needs the most attention! And as we’ve covered briefly above, if there’s one area that you can rest assured won’t take up too much time and energy, it’s your wrought iron gates and railings. Here at SL Wrought Iron we have a great variety of ranges to choose from, encompassing everything from Wilpshire and Chatburn to Longridge and Barnoldswick. If you’ve not yet got yours, and you’re thinking of buying them for your garden, why not take a look around, and see what you can find?
