As the cold winter months settle in, it might feel like your garden is miles away from being a reality. But believe it or not, January and February are the perfect months to start planning your garden—especially if you haven’t already. These quieter months give you the opportunity to think ahead, design, and make thoughtful decisions for the growing season that lies ahead.

For me, this year’s garden planning is a bit different. I’m not simply deciding which plants to add to my backyard or which flowers to grow in pots. No, this time, I’m planning the entire design for my new garden, and it's a little more complex since it will be based on the layout of my future home. If you are new here, you are probably not aware that my home and part of the garden were destroyed by a fire this past October, and now I’m starting from scratch. The good news is that this challenge gives me a chance to thoughtfully reimagine the space and create something even better. With construction in progress, I’m laying the groundwork now for a garden that will flourish come 2026.

If you're in a similar boat, or simply want to take advantage of the winter lull, here’s why January and February are the best times to get your plans in motion, and some key considerations to keep in mind when designing your garden.

Why Start Planning Now?

Winter might seem like a time to hibernate, but garden planning is a great way to stay productive during these colder months. With everything still in its dormant stage, it’s the perfect time to sit back, reflect on what you want, and develop a clear vision for your future garden. Sketch out ideas, gather inspiration, and use this time to learn about plants, materials, and designs that will work best in your space.

You don’t need to rush any decisions. Garden planning allows you the luxury of time. You can experiment with different layouts, colors, and plant combinations without the pressure of immediate action. For those like me who are waiting for a house to be built after a fire destroyed the original one, garden planning is about aligning your vision with the construction phase.

Knowing the placement of your home, how the sun moves across your property, and how your outdoor spaces will be used is essential to designing a garden that fits the overall layout. In my case, I’m thinking about how the new house will be placed and what areas of the property were affected by the fire. This helps me reimagine the space and work with what’s left, ensuring a harmonious connection between the new home and the garden that will grow around it.

Key Considerations When Planning Your Garden Design

1. Understanding Your Space: Take time to carefully study the space you have. Is your garden small or large? Are there any natural elements like trees, slopes, or existing structures? You’ll need to factor these into your design. For example, a sloped yard might benefit from terracing or planting in containers, while a small space might require creative solutions like vertical gardening.

2. Soil Quality and Drainage: Your soil will determine much of what you can grow, so it’s vital to know its composition. Test the soil for pH, nutrient levels, and drainage. After a fire, soil may have been affected by the intense heat, so it’s especially important to assess its condition. Amending the soil with organic matter and new topsoil might be necessary before you plant, so starting early will give you time to address any issues.

3. Climate and Microclimates: Consider your local climate and any microclimates within your garden. A sunny corner might support a vegetable garden, while a shaded spot might be perfect for hostas or ferns. Take note of wind patterns, frost dates, and the natural temperature fluctuations in different areas of your garden. After the fire, there may also be changes in the way sunlight reaches your property, so understanding how that affects plant growth will help guide your decisions.

4. Functionality: Think about how you plan to use your garden. Do you want a space for relaxation, outdoor entertaining, or growing your own food? Incorporating elements such as seating areas, pathways, or a small vegetable plot can help you design a space that serves your needs.

5. Plant Selection: Start making a list of plants that fit both your vision and your local growing conditions. Will you be focusing on flowers, shrubs, or vegetables? Are you drawn to native plants or more exotic species? This is also a great time to think about seasonal interest, from early spring blooms to late fall foliage. If your garden was affected by the fire, some plants might not have survived, so you may want to introduce fire-resistant species or plants that thrive in the conditions created by the fire.

6. Sustainable Practices: Consider incorporating sustainable gardening practices into your design. Whether it’s using rainwater collection, composting, or planting drought-tolerant species, these choices can make your garden more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

7. Budget and Timeframe: Don’t forget about your budget and timeline. While it's exciting to dream about all the possibilities, be realistic about what you can afford and how long it might take to complete different aspects of the garden. You can always break the project down into phases, starting with essential elements like soil preparation, irrigation, or hardscaping, and then adding plants and decorative touches over time.

Making It Happen

Once you’ve started thinking about your garden design, it's time to map it out. You don’t need to be an artist to create a rough sketch. Draw out your yard and try placing elements like trees, plants, garden beds, and structures. There are also plenty of online tools and apps that can help you visualize your space. The more you plan now, the easier it will be to execute when the weather warms up, and it’s time to put the shovel in the ground.

My plan is to create a parterre kitchen garden, inspired by the stunning design of William Lawrence for Bunny Williams’ home (photo above). A parterre garden is a classic, formal design that uses geometric patterns and neatly trimmed hedges to create visually striking planting beds. It’s not only a beautiful way to organize a space but also a practical one, especially for a kitchen/cut flower garden. By incorporating this style, I hope to bring both structure and charm to my garden while growing fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers in an accessible and elegant setting. The crisp lines and symmetry of a parterre will add a touch of sophistication to my outdoor space, all while serving as a functional hub for cooking ingredients

Even if your garden isn’t going in until 2026 (like mine), starting the design process now ensures that you’ll be ready for the first planting season. By the time the house is built and the garden space is cleared, you’ll have a thoughtful, well-organized plan ready to go.

Happy planning!

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