Making the Most of the Winter Months

As the cool air settles over South-East Melbourne and the last of the autumn leaves fall, it’s time to start preparing your garden for winter. While the colder months can feel like a quiet time for your garden, there’s still plenty to do to keep it looking neat, healthy, and ready to thrive come spring.

At Ironbark Gardening Services, we believe that good garden care is year-round. Here are a few simple yet effective ways to keep your outdoor spaces in top shape over winter:

Tidy Up and Mulch

Start by clearing away fallen leaves, branches, and other debris. This helps prevent fungal diseases and keeps pests at bay. Once everything is cleared, add a fresh layer of mulch to your garden beds. This not only helps insulate plant roots from frost but also retains moisture in the soil through the drier winter months.

Prune Back Trees and Shrubs

Winter is the perfect time to prune deciduous trees and many shrubs, while they’re dormant. Pruning now encourages healthy growth in spring and helps shape your plants for the season ahead. Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs, though – you’ll cut off next season’s blooms.

Look After Your Lawn

Cooler weather can slow lawn growth, but winter weeds can still creep in. Now’s a good time to tidy the edges, remove weeds by hand, and ensure your lawn is getting enough sunlight by trimming back overhanging branches.

Plan Ahead for Spring

Winter is ideal for garden planning. Whether you’re dreaming of fresh veggies, colourful flower beds, or a new garden layout, now’s the time to sketch out ideas, prep your soil, and even plant dormant bulbs like daffodils and tulips for a spring surprise.

Watch the Watering

With more rain and cooler temperatures, most plants need less watering – but don’t stop entirely. Check soil moisture levels and water only when necessary, ideally in the morning to avoid overnight frost damage.

Book In Your Winter Garden Clean-Up

Winter doesn’t mean neglect. At Ironbark Gardening Services, we offer seasonal maintenance packages tailored to your garden’s needs – from pruning and mulching to garden clean-ups and lawn care.

Whether you’re trying to keep things low maintenance or prepare for a big spring transformation, staying on top of winter garden tasks will set you up for success in the seasons to come.

Need a hand with winter garden maintenance in Bentleigh and surrounds?
Contact Luke at Ironbark Gardening Services on 0456 315 413 – we’ll help your garden rest easy this winter.