Gardening in winter: rest, resilience and small tasks that matter
Winter can seem like the garden’s quietest season - but look a little closer, and you’ll see it’s full of life. Soil organisms are still active, plants are replenishing their strength underground, and birds and insects are seeking food and shelter. Far from being an empty pause, winter is an essential chapter in the gardening year.
Why winter matters
Plants need dormancy just as we need rest. Without it, the cycles of growth and renewal can’t happen. Winter allows perennials to store energy in their roots, trees to conserve their strength, and wildlife to find safe places until spring returns.
Recognising winter as part of the cycle helps us to see our gardens differently - not as finished or unfinished, but as evolving, with each season playing its role.
Small but important winter tasks
Here are some gentle jobs worth doing this season:
Protect your soil - spread a 5cm layer of compost, leaf mould or bark over beds. This insulates roots, improves structure, and feeds the underground life that makes your garden thrive.
Leave some structure - seed heads of echinops, teasel, fennel and sedum are beautiful in frost and provide homes for insects.
Prune thoughtfully - winter is a good time for roses, apple and pear trees, and many deciduous shrubs while they are dormant.
Check supports and ties - winter winds can be tough on plants. Make sure stakes and ties are still secure.
Support wildlife - top up feeders, leave water sources unfrozen if you can, and let log piles and “messy corners” remain untouched.
The wellness of winter gardening
Gardening in winter isn’t just about maintenance - it’s about wellbeing. Stepping outside for ten minutes, even on a grey day, can make all the difference. Watching birds at a feeder, seeing the first frosts, or simply breathing the cool air can ground us when life feels busy.
The slower pace of winter gardening is a gift - it invites us to pause, reflect and take stock before the rush of spring.
Final thoughts
Winter reminds us that rest is part of growth. By doing a few thoughtful jobs, protecting the soil, and making space for wildlife, we set the stage for the year ahead. And in the process, we give ourselves permission to slow down too.
Gardening isn’t about constant activity - it’s about connection, season by season. And winter is the perfect season to practice that.
Are we connected on Instagram yet?
👉 Find me here
Nicola
The Bonnie Gardener
nicola@thebonniegardener.co.uk
