Consciously using and incorporating seasonality in the garden

A garden can only be beautiful in summer? Not at all! By planting and cultivating your garden according to the seasons, you can enjoy a variety of natural works of art all year round: in spring the first buds, in summer a sea of blossoms, in autumn the bright play of colourful leaves and in winter the quiet beauty of resting nature. 

Michael Engler is a freelance landscape architect in Lake Zurich who specialises in biodiverse gardens. He believes that every garden has the potential to become a sustainable ecosystem that works all year round. He emphasises the importance of seasonality. ‘A garden planned according to the seasons reflects nature’s natural rhythm and offers real benefits for the environment all year round,’ says Engler. He recommends using a wide range of plants that peak at different times of the year.

Early blooms such as crocuses and snowdrops provide colour in spring, while lavender and coneflower bloom in summer. Plants such as maple, with its red and gold colouring, or blooming asters provide colour in autumn. Some plants also have interesting shapes in winter or bear fruit that birds use as food. ‘We value every phase of a plant’s life cycle. For example, in winter, when the shrubs are bare, frost glistens beautifully on the branches,’ says landscape architect Engler. For this reason, he avoids pruning plants in autumn and instead allows the plants to keep their natural shape. Pruning is only done in spring, so that insects can find safe shelter in plant debris and foliage during the cold months.

The garden expert also recommends thinking carefully about which plants are suited for your location. ‘Soil and location determine which plants can thrive. The climate around Lake Zurich alone is changing dramatically. As a result of climate change, we now have more hot days in Switzerland and occasionally experience Mediterranean conditions.’ Depending on your location, it may be more sustainable to switch to suitable non-native plants, as they can be more compatible with the environment than native species. When opting for non-native plants, you should make sure that they are non-invasive seedlings that will not displace native plants. Ideally, they should come from responsible regional producers. Location analysis and advice from a professional are useful here.

A garden that changes with the seasons shows us how wonderful nature can be all year round. Michael Engler encourages all garden owners to be inspired by nature and create a green oasis that can be full of life all year round. This will turn your garden into a place that welcomes plants, animals and people in equal measure.