As winter’s chill fades and the first buds of spring appear, many of us start dreaming of long, lazy summer days spent in our own little slice of outdoor paradise. If you’re hoping to transform your garden into a summer haven, timing is everything. Considering that our garden design service can take up to four weeks, followed by the build and planting phases, when is the ideal time to begin this process? This article will guide you through the best timeline to start your garden project, ensuring it’s ready to be your summer sanctuary.
Understanding the Garden Design Timeline
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Before diving into the when the best time to start your garden design, it’s important to understand the how long. Our garden design process is meticulous, tailored, and aimed at transforming your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional extension of your home. It’s important to understand that this process can take up to four weeks, depending on various factors like the size of your garden, the complexity of the design, and the number of revisions required. This includes initial online garden consultation with your designer, garden design concept development, and finalising the design in 3D. Following the design phase, the actual build – which involves landscaping, construction, and planting – varies in length depending on the project’s complexity, but it can take several weeks to a few months.
Early Planning: Late Winter to Early Spring
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Starting your garden design in late winter or early spring (February to April) is ideal. During these months, garden designers are less likely to be overwhelmed with work, allowing for more attention to your project. This timing also takes advantage of the dormant season for many plants, making it a suitable time for site clearing and preparation.
Site Preparation and Build: Spring to Early Summer
Ideally, start the build phase in spring. First, this season is great for soil work, planting, and building. The ground thaws, reducing frost risk. Also, starting in spring helps avoid winter’s harsh weather, which often delays outdoor projects.
Planting and Growing: Late Spring to Early Summer
Planting typically comes after the structural phase. The period from late spring to early summer, particularly May to June, is ideal for planting a diverse range of flowers, shrubs, and trees. This timing lets plants settle in and make the most of the growing season. By doing so, they become robust and well-established as summer reaches its peak.
A Summer in Bloom
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Starting your garden design in late winter or early spring is ideal for a summer-ready garden. This gives your garden ample time to develop and flourish, setting the stage for summer activities like barbecues, relaxing afternoons, and starlit evenings.
Key Factors to Consider in Garden Planning
Each garden is distinct, and various aspects can impact your project’s timeline. These include your local climate, project scope, and the availability of materials and plants. Collaborating with a professional garden designer can offer guidance through these factors, ensuring a customised plan for your garden.
The Best Time to Start Your Garden Design
For a beautiful summer garden, timing is crucial. Ideally, begin planning your garden from late winter to early spring. This ensures it’s ready for enjoyment in the summer. Successful gardening involves timely execution of every phase, from initial design to the final planting. As winter fades, it’s the perfect cue to start shaping your dream garden for the summer.