An easy-care garden, once established, doesn’t require constant attention, but a little seasonal maintenance goes a long way in keeping it looking its best. Here’s your simple guide to turning garden upkeep into a light, enjoyable routine.

Spring check-up (March – May): After the winter thaw, your garden needs a quick refresh. Start by doing a simple ‘walk-through’ to see what’s happening. Remove any winter debris, trim back any remaining dead material from last year’s perennials. This is the perfect time to top up your mulch layer; a fresh application will suppress weeds before they get a chance to sprout. You can also add some compost to your soil to give your plants a boost.

Summer tidying (June – August): The focus in summer is on enjoyment, not endless work. Your main tasks are light tidying. Deadhead any flowers that have finished blooming to encourage new growth. A quick pull of any stray weeds that have managed to poke through the mulch is all you need. If you set up the deep, infrequent watering system mentioned earlier, this should handle the hydration needs, leaving you free to relax.

Autumn clean-up (September – November): This is the time to prepare your garden for winter. Cut back any perennials that have died back and remove annuals. While some gardeners prefer a “leave the leaves” approach for wildlife, you can rake and compost any excessive leaf litter to prevent it from smothering your plants. This small effort now will make your spring tasks much easier.

With a well-planned garden, these seasonal tasks are not a dreaded chore but a simple, manageable routine. They are a way to stay connected with your outdoor space without it becoming a second job. By embracing this approach, your garden becomes a source of peace, not a place of stress.