Best months for planting

October and November are considered ideal months for planting, as the earth remains warm during these months, making it suitable for planting fruit trees, hedge shrubs, roses, citrus plants, and palms.

Recommended plants for cold season

To add color during the cold season, pansies, heathers, cyclamens, and hellebores are also recommended. Mediterranean trees and shrubs such as pittosporum, photinia, and olive trees allow for a living and structured garden even in winter.

Protecting plants from frost

For plants that are sensitive to frost, especially certain varieties of citrus or potted plants, it is preferable to plan for a location sheltered from the mistral and frosts, two elements that should not be underestimated in the region.

Winter covers available locally

October and November are also the time to protect plants with winter covers. At Truffaut Nîmes, classic covers for plants that are slightly cold-sensitive, denser covers for more fragile plants, and winter covers that are very easy to use for potted plants and small shrubs are available.

Getting expert advice

At Truffaut Nîmes, it is advised to ask for advice, specifying one's area, the exposure of one's garden, and the type of soil. This way, one will be offered the option to choose plants that are really suitable for one's garden rather than relying solely on their appearance.

Autumn pruning guidelines

The period of the year is also ideal for preparing and structuring plants before winter. Truffaut Nîmes provides the golden rules for successful autumn pruning, grouped by type of plant: Conifers and hedge shrubs.

Pruning conifers and hedge shrubs

Conifers (Leyland cypress, Provence cypress) should undergo a light pruning at the end of the season to even out the silhouette. Avoid cutting old wood without leaves, as it will not regrow. Evergreen hedge shrubs should be given a neat shape so they can better withstand the strong winter winds.

Managing climbing plants and flowering shrubs

Climbing plants and flowering shrubs should be managed by containing their growth through cutting back branches that extend beyond supports or come too close to gutters. Flowering shrubs that bloom in summer can have dead or poorly placed branches cleaned up. However, it is advised not to prune shrubs that bloom early in spring (such as forsythias), as this may remove the future flower buds.