March is the month when UK gardens properly wake up. In London and the South East, spring often arrives a little earlier — but frosts and wet soil can still catch you out. The best approach is a mix of tidying, prepping, feeding and planning, so your garden is ready to thrive.
If you’re considering a refresh or full renovation, March is also the ideal time to book a garden design service. A clear design plan now means smoother builds, better planting success, and a garden that looks intentional (not piecemeal) by late spring and summer.
1) Plan your layout (the most valuable March job)
The smartest March job isn’t pruning it’s planning. A professional garden design service helps you decide the right layout, levels, materials and planting structure before money is spent.
In 20 minutes, you can gather the essentials:
- Note sun/shade across the day and any soggy areas after rain
- Decide what you need: entertaining, play space, low maintenance, privacy, wildlife
- List your “must-haves”: patio, pergola, lighting, lawn, raised beds, storage
For seasonal guidance:
Design tip: If you’re changing levels, adding steps, or dealing with drainage, using a garden design service early prevents expensive redesigns later.
2) Cut back perennials and grasses (before new growth takes over)
March is prime time to tidy borders:
- Cut down spent perennial stems
- Cut back ornamental grasses before fresh shoots appear
- Weed thoroughly so you don’t battle weeds all summer
If you’re aiming for a polished look, this is where a garden design service makes a big difference we map planting so the garden keeps structure year-round, not just in summer.
3) Prune key shrubs and roses (set up your best flowering season)
In many London and South East gardens, March pruning can transform growth:
- Roses: prune bush roses for stronger stems and better blooms
- Buddlleja: hard prune to encourage new flowering growth
- Some hydrangeas: tidy depending on type (variety matters)
Helpful guidance:
A quality garden design service also ensures pruning supports the overall shape of the garden especially in small courtyards where every plant earns its space.
4) Feed the soil, then mulch (the foundation of great planting)
This is the job that delivers that “lush, expensive” look:
- Add compost or soil improver to beds
- Mulch to lock in moisture, improve structure and suppress weeds
Where to buy (UK):
If you want planting that thrives with fewer problems, a garden design service will specify the right soil improvement strategy and plant choices for your conditions (London clay vs free-draining soils vary hugely across the South East).
5) Lawn care in March (especially after wet winters)
March lawn care sets the tone for the whole garden:
- First mow on a higher setting
- Edge borders for an instant “designed” finish
- Lightly rake debris and moss
- Overseed thin patches once soil warms
More help:
Design note: Many homeowners want a “bigger lawn” but also more planting. A garden design service can shape lawns so they feel generous without sacrificing borders, seating, or flow.
6) Start sowing and planting (the satisfying part)
March is excellent for:
- Hardy annuals (direct sow when conditions allow or start under cover)
- Veg like broad beans, peas and salad leaves (weather dependent)
- Herbs in pots near the kitchen — ideal for London gardens
Veg inspiration:
If you’re redesigning, don’t rush into random plant buys. A garden design service creates a planting plan with repeated plants and layered structure, so it looks cohesive from day one.
Plant sources:
7) Refresh patios, paths and decking (quick wins for spring)
Hard landscaping often makes the biggest visual difference:
- Sweep, weed joints, clean algae from paving
- Check loose slabs, uneven steps, drainage and trip hazards
- Clean/oil decking and inspect fixings
If your patio feels dated or slippery, March is when searches spike for garden design service help with paving, porcelain, lighting and layout improvements.
8) Pots, balconies and roof terraces (perfect for London)
March is your annual refresh moment:
- Repot or top-dress tired pots
- Add slow-release feed
- Check wind exposure and water access
- Use a simple planting palette for a calm, high-end look
Useful reading:
A garden design service for small spaces is often the difference between “cluttered pots” and a genuinely stylish terrace or courtyard.
9) Wildlife-friendly March jobs (done the right way)
- Clean bird feeders and provide fresh water
- Check ponds and remove debris carefully
- Be mindful of nesting birds as spring progresses
Wildlife guidance:
When to book a Garden Design Service in London & the South East
If you’re thinking about any of the following, March is the perfect time to engage a garden design service:
- New patio, steps, levels or drainage solutions
- Lighting plans and power routing
- Pergolas, screening and privacy design
- Full planting plans for year-round structure
- A masterplan for phased upgrades (so each stage still looks “finished”)
Explore our garden design service here:
FAQs
What are the most important garden jobs in March in the UK?
Tidy borders, prune key plants, mulch and improve soil, start lawn care, and plan any upgrades with a garden design service.
Is March a good time to book a garden design service in London?
Yes — it’s ideal for planning and scheduling so work and planting can be delivered smoothly for late spring and summer.
What should I do now if I want a garden redesign by summer?
Start with a garden design service in March: layout, materials, levels, lighting and planting plans first — then installation and planting.
We’re here for you, if you want to learn more about our garden design service just click here to book in a complimentary meeting with our team.