Project Garden

January is the best month to plan planting because the garden is quiet — and you can see structure clearly. A little planning now saves money and avoids “random plant syndrome” later.

Step 1: decide your garden goals

Pick 2–3 priorities:

• More colour across seasons
• More privacy/screening
• Lower maintenance
• Wildlife-friendly planting
• Better structure in winter

Step 2: map the garden quickly

You don’t need a fancy plan — just note:

• Sunny vs shady areas
• Damp corners
• Windy spots
• High-traffic routes and views from the house

Step 3: choose “backbone” plants

Evergreens and structural shrubs make everything easier:

• Yew, holly, pittosporum, hebes, choisya (site-dependent)
  Add seasonal colour with perennials and bulbs once the structure is in place.

Step 4: order seeds and book early

• Order seeds for veg and flowers now
• If you want new borders, hedge work, or a spring tidy-up, book in January before diaries fill up