Living in Thame, we’re lucky to have a real mix of gardens — from small town plots and terraces to larger gardens backing onto fields and countryside. And this is reflected in the active wildlife we’ve managed to attract across the town.
January and February may look quiet outside, but they’re an important time to gently care for our gardens while also supporting the wildlife that shares this space with us. Even if it’s chilly outside, it’s also good for our wellbeing to still get outdoors – and what better excuse than to care for a garden.
Winter gardening isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing things thoughtfully, keeping a balance between tidying up and leaving nature enough room to rest.
Gentle tidying: less is more
After autumn, it’s natural to want everything neat and cleared, but many creatures rely on our gardens through winter.
What works well:
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Remove broken branches after winter winds
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Tidy paths and access areas for safety
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Leave seed heads on plants where you can
If you’ve got a quiet corner, stacking logs, twigs, or fallen branches creates a simple shelter for insects, hedgehogs, and other small animals that pass through our gardens — especially important in town gardens where natural cover is limited.
Winter pruning
January and February are a good time for certain pruning jobs, as long as the weather plays along.
Good winter jobs:
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Prune apple and pear trees on dry, frost-free days
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Cut back wisteria and overgrown climbers if needed
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Remove dead or damaged wood from shrubs
By late February, birds around gardens and hedgerows may already be preparing to nest (although I’ve seen a few already on the road to P’ Risborough!), so avoid heavy hedge cutting as spring approaches.
Caring for the soil
Healthy gardens start with healthy soil — and winter is a great time to protect it.
Simple winter soil care:
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Add compost or well-rotted manure to beds
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Mulch borders to protect soil life from frost
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Avoid walking on waterlogged ground
Soil is alive, full of worms and microorganisms that support plant growth and help lock carbon into the ground — something even small town gardens contribute to.
Supporting wildlife
Winter can be tough for birds and small animals, especially in built-up areas.
Helpful actions:
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Keep bird feeders topped up and clean
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Change water in bird baths regularly and keep them ice-free
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Leave ivy, hedges, and dense shrubs undisturbed
If you have a pond, check it hasn’t frozen solid. Gently melting a small hole with warm water (never salt) helps protect frogs and other pond life.
Planning for spring (from the warm indoors with a cup of tea)
These quieter months are perfect for planning ahead.
Things you can think about now
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Adding pollinator-friendly plants for spring and summer
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Creating a small wild patch — even in a compact garden
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Putting up bird boxes before March
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Letting part of the lawn grow a little longer later in the year
When lots of local gardens make small changes, it creates vital wildlife corridors across the town and surrounding villages.
Winter maintenance jobs
A few practical tasks now save effort later (or to be delgated):
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Clean and sharpen garden tools
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Repair fences, raised beds, or sheds
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Check greenhouses and outbuildings gently — animals often shelter there in cold weather
Final thought
Winter gardening isn’t about perfection or ticking jobs off a list. It’s about noticing what’s already there, moving a little slower, and leaving space for life to rest.
By caring for our gardens with nature in mind, we help keep Thame and the surrounding countryside a place where plants, animals, and people can thrive — season after season.
🌱 Kind gardening now makes for a richer spring ahead.
Proud of your garden? Send us a picture and some tips/tricks to share!
