How to keep your garden looking great all winter - according to Thornbridge Hall’s senior gardener

Noah Mabey, Gardener at Thornbridge Hall, told Platinum Spas, "Gardens don’t have to go into hibernation over winter. With a few key jobs and some thoughtful planning, you can protect your plants, keep your lawn healthy, and even add colour and interest throughout the colder months."

Sharing his insider tips from years of designing and maintaining elegant hotel gardens, like the Peak District’s renowned Thornbridge Hall, Noah told Platinum Spas,

Tidy Hedges & Prune Shrubs

“Autumn is a good time to trim hedges so they look neat over winter. For roses and other shrubs, prune back long stems to prevent wind damage and reduce rubbing, which can create wounds. November is also a good time to cut back the old leaves on your Hellebors, which encourages the glorious flowers to grow in the spring.”

Thornbridge Hall in Autumn

Manage the Falling Leaves

“Leaves start to fall, so keeping on top of them is important. Rake or blow them onto lawns and mow them up; this helps them compost and protects the lawn underneath. The aesthetic and colours of the leaves are lovely at this time of year, so don’t feel like you need to get every last one. Plus, some leaves on the ground can be a great spot for insects to find refuge over winter.”

Think About Spring Planting

Noah Mabey - Senior Gardener

“November is a great time to start planting tulip bulbs for vibrant spring displays - the frosts at this time of year help kill common fungal diseases like Tulip Fire. Other bulbs like crocus, alliums, and Tete a Tete daffodils can be planted from October.”

He adds, “At Thornbridge Hall, we’ll soon be planting over 3000 tulip bulbs for a bold riot of colour come Springtime.”

Don’t Rush To Cut Back Perenials

“You don’t need to rush to cut back old perennial stems, as many gardeners think. Over the winter months, they provide important shelter for wildlife and can look truly magical when frosted. Leaving them standing also helps protect the crown of the plant and can make your garden feel more textured and alive, even in the coldest months.”

Maintain Your Lawn

"I recently caught up with Jack Heath, Head Greens Keeper at Bakewell Golf Course, who shared some brilliant tips for keeping lawns healthy over winter. He explained that lawns can easily become compacted and squelchy with rain and colder temperatures. To help the grass bounce back in spring, it’s important to aerate the soil using a garden fork, which improves drainage and oxygenation.”

“Jack also recommends avoiding mowing when the lawn is wet, but continuing occasional trims to prevent uneven, patchy growth."

Bring Colour To Your Garden

"Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your garden has to look dull. You can still create beautiful displays with pots of flowers and hardy plants. Winter-friendly blooms like primroses, pansies, and hellebores add vibrant colour, while evergreen shrubs provide structure and year-round interest. Grouping these together in pots or borders can create charming, low-maintenance displays.”

Make the Most of Shorter Days

“After the clocks change, it never feels like there’s enough daylight to enjoy your garden, but there are plenty of ways to make your garden inviting even in winter.”

Noah recommends “Adding solar-powered lights can create a warm, cozy atmosphere, while features like a pizza oven, pergola, or hot tub give you a reason to spend time outside, whatever the weather. Thoughtful additions like these not only extend the usability of your garden but also make it a welcoming space for family and friends throughout the colder months."

By following these seven tips, you can keep your garden looking neat and colourful – even in the colder months. For more expert gardening inspiration, follow Noah Mabey on Instagram or explore his work at Thornbridge Hall. To bring your outdoor space to life with luxury features and wellness accessories, visit the Platinum Spas website.