The Best Plants to Make Your Garden Shine in the UK – Plus Spring Lawn Tips

As the days grow longer and the sun finally peeks out after a long winter, spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your garden. Whether you want to boost curb appeal, create a relaxing outdoor retreat, or simply enjoy a more colourful view from your window, choosing the right plants is key. And let’s not forget about your lawn—a lush, green lawn makes all the difference to the overall feel of your garden.

Here’s your guide to the best plants to grow in the UK for a stunning garden, and tips on when to seed and mow your lawn in spring.

Best Plants to Make Your Garden More Appealing

To create a garden that looks great through the seasons, variety is everything. Mix textures, heights, and colours with a blend of perennials, shrubs, and seasonal blooms.

🌸 1. Lavender

Lavender not only looks beautiful with its soft purple flowers, but it also adds a relaxing scent and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. It thrives in well-drained soil and sunny spots—ideal for borders and raised beds.

🌿 2. Boxwood (Buxus)

Perfect for structure, borders, or topiary shapes. Boxwood adds formality and balance to more colourful or wild planting schemes. It’s low-maintenance and evergreen, meaning your garden has shape all year round.

🌼 3. Geranium (Cranesbill)

Hardy geraniums are a UK favourite. They flower for months, tolerate a wide range of conditions, and come in shades of pink, purple, and blue. Great for underplanting shrubs or filling out borders.

☀️ 4. Salvia

A tall, upright perennial that loves the sun, salvia offers long-lasting colour in purples, blues, and reds. It’s a magnet for pollinators and thrives even in drier conditions—ideal for a low-maintenance border.

🌳 5. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

If you’re looking to add height or a focal point, consider a Japanese maple. Its delicate leaves and dramatic autumn colour bring elegance and interest without overwhelming a small garden.

🌹 6. Climbing Roses

Perfect for softening pergolas, fences, or walls, climbing roses add romance and colour. Choose varieties like ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ or ‘Iceberg’ for classic beauty and repeat blooms.

🌾 7. Ornamental Grasses

To add texture and movement, grasses like Miscanthus or Stipa bring a contemporary look to your planting scheme and work beautifully alongside modern outdoor living areas.

When to Seed and Cut the Grass in Spring

A great lawn is the canvas for the rest of your garden—so keeping it healthy in spring sets the tone for the whole season.

🌱 When to Seed Your Lawn

Early to mid-spring (late March to April) is ideal for overseeding bare patches or starting a new lawn. The soil should be warming up (above 8°C), and there should be regular rainfall to help seeds germinate.

Tips:

• Rake and aerate the soil first

• Use a good quality lawn seed suited to your garden (shade, high traffic, etc.)

• Water gently but regularly after sowing

  
  

✂️ When to Start Mowing

Once the grass starts growing again—typically from late March onwards—it’s time to bring out the mower. The first cut should be light, trimming just the top third of the grass. This encourages healthy growth without stressing the lawn.

Spring Lawn Care Tips:

• Sharpen your mower blades before the first cut

• Avoid mowing when the grass is wet or frozen

• Gradually lower the cutting height with each mow

Final Thoughts

Creating a garden that’s both beautiful and usable is all about smart choices. With the right mix of plants and a little spring lawn care, your garden can become the perfect backdrop for relaxing, entertaining, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment outside.

Ready to take your garden to the next level? Whether you're planning a planting scheme or thinking about adding a pergola or outdoor living structure, Bison Design is here to help you create a space you love to be in.