How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Garden: A Seasonal Guide for UK Gardens

Designing a beautiful garden isn’t just about layout and landscaping — it’s also about planting the right greenery at the right time. At Wicked Gardens, we know that thoughtful planting transforms a garden from a static space into a living, breathing sanctuary that evolves throughout the year.

Whether you’re based in Lewisham or anywhere across the UK, here’s your season-by-season guide to choosing the best plants for a vibrant and resilient garden.


🌱 Spring: Set the Foundations

SEO keywords: best spring plants UK, spring planting guide, spring flowers for gardens

Spring is the time to wake your garden up after winter. The soil is warming, and longer days make it perfect for planting.

Top picks:

  • Daffodils and tulips: Classic spring bulbs that add instant colour.

  • Lavender: Ideal for borders, with the bonus of attracting pollinators.

  • Sweet peas: Easy to grow and wonderfully fragrant – perfect for trellises and fences.

💡 Wicked Tip: Mix early- and late-blooming varieties for continuous colour throughout spring.


🌞 Summer: Let It Bloom

SEO keywords: summer garden plants UK, best flowers for summer gardens, drought-tolerant UK plants

Summer is all about bold colours and lush textures. But with increasing heatwaves, it’s also important to select plants that can handle a little dryness.

Top picks:

  • Salvias and cosmos: Vibrant, long-lasting blooms that love the sun.

  • Agapanthus: Striking blue flowers that thrive in pots or borders.

  • Herbs like rosemary and thyme: Beautiful, edible, and low-maintenance.

💡 Wicked Tip: Group plants with similar water needs to make summer care easier.


🍂 Autumn: Add Warmth and Structure

SEO keywords: autumn garden planting UK, best autumn plants, seasonal colour garden tips

Don’t let your garden fade with summer. Autumn is the perfect season for warm hues, foliage drama, and preparation for winter.

Top picks:

  • Sedum (Stonecrop): Their deep pink flowers last into early winter.

  • Japanese anemones: Elegant late bloomers that light up shady spots.

  • Ornamental grasses: Add texture and movement to your garden.

💡 Wicked Tip: Plant autumn-flowering perennials now for reliable displays next year.


❄️ Winter: Evergreen Impact

SEO keywords: winter garden ideas UK, best plants for winter interest, evergreen shrubs for UK gardens

Winter doesn’t have to mean bare beds and grey borders. With the right plants, your garden can still look alive, even in the coldest months.

Top picks:

  • Box (Buxus) and Holly: Hardy evergreens that add year-round structure.

  • Winter heather: Low-growing bursts of colour that brighten dull days.

  • Hellebores: Also known as Christmas roses, they bloom beautifully in the depths of winter.

💡 Wicked Tip: Add solar or low-voltage lighting to highlight evergreens and create atmosphere on dark evenings.


🌿 Why Seasonal Planting Matters

  • Year-round interest: A carefully planned planting schedule keeps your garden looking its best through every season.

  • Better plant health: Timing your planting correctly improves survival rates and reduces maintenance needs.

  • Wildlife support: A seasonal variety of plants attracts and supports pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects all year.


🏡 Let Wicked Gardens Help You Grow

At Wicked Gardens, we don’t just create beautiful spaces — we build living landscapes that grow and evolve with you. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your planting scheme, we’ll help you choose the right plants for your garden’s size, soil, and sunlight conditions.


📞 Book Your Garden Planting Consultation

Let’s bring seasonal colour, structure and joy to your outdoor space — one plant at a time.

📍 Serving: Lewisham, South London, and surrounding areas

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest