July 11, 2025
Author: Mark Smith

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Why Winter Landscaping Is The Best Time To Get Stuck In

By Mark Smith, Founder of Gondwana Landscaping & Stone


The weather’s cooler, the days are still long enough for a full shift, and your garden’s not demanding attention after every rain.

Most people don’t think “landscaping” when they think “winter”, but around here in Byron Bay, it’s one of the best times of year to get moving on your outdoor space.


At Gondwana Landscaping and Stone, we love working in the cooler months. We’ve been creating beautiful landscapes in the Byron Bay region for over 20 years. For us, winter’s not a season to slow down, it’s a great time to get ahead.

Why Winter is the Best Time of Year to Landscape

While the rest of the country’s bunkering down, Byron’s still coasting through the cooler months with mild days and crisp mornings. It’s the perfect time to dig in.


  • It’s quieter. That means more time to plan and less pressure to rush things.
  • Plants are dormant, so it’s easier to reshape garden beds and plant trees without stressing them out.
  • It’s the ideal time to lay the groundwork for new growth come early spring.
  • Beat the rush of spring and summer when everyone starts thinking about their upcoming Christmas do and relos coming to visit.


We’re not just talking a quick tidy-up either. Winter’s a great chance to think big: stone walls, pathways, focal points, water features. The works.

How to Add Warmth and Function to Your Outdoor Space

We get it. It’s not exactly BBQ weather every day. But winter doesn’t mean you have to give up on your outdoor living space.


  • Add a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. There’s nothing better than sitting around the fire on a crisp winter night, looking out at the stars.
  • Use outdoor lighting to keep the vibe going after dark. It’s also handy for safety and shows off your design elements.
  • Outdoor kitchens or covered cooking spots are perfect for winter entertaining. It keeps you out of the wind but still part of the action.


Winter landscaping is all about making your outdoor area feel just as inviting in July as it does in January.

Plants That Actually Love Cold Weather

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean your garden has to be bare. There are plenty of hardy plants and winter-flowering plants that hold their own through the cold weather.


  • Think witch hazel, grevilleas, camellias. They're plants that bring winter interest and winter colour. Be in touch with the six recognised indigenous seasons, each marked by environmental signals in plants.
  • Native plants are always a smart choice. They’re low maintenance, use less water, and thrive in local conditions.
  • Deciduous trees are great for structure. They let in sun during winter and give shade in summer. A win-win.


And if you’ve got sensitive plants, we’ll help you figure out where to place them or how to protect them from freezing temperatures (rare around here, but never say never).

Top Tips for Winter Landscape Design

Winter lets you see your garden design without the distractions of dense growth. It’s the season for smart design moves.


  • Refresh plant beds with organic mulches or wood chips for warmth and weed control.
  • Add design elements that hold their own. Think water features, natural stone walls, or sculptural pieces.
  • Use native basalt stone for texture, structure, and long-term curb appeal.


At Gondwana, we handpick local stone to blend your project with the Byron landscape. Stone adds depth, durability, and winter interest.

Keeping Things in Top Shape in Winter

Even if you’re not building or planting, winter’s a great time to get your garden back in shape.


  • Clear fallen leaves, tidy edges, and give the lawn a light pass with the lawn mower.
  • Grab the watering can every now and then. Less often, but still important.
  • Prune, reshape, and prep your garden beds so they’re ready to explode come spring.


If you don’t have time, we’ve got a maintenance team who can swing by and sort it for you.

Adding Curb Appeal and Colour Without Going Overboard

You don’t need a jungle to make your place feel alive in winter. In fact, it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference.


  • Pop in a window box with something bright. Think pansies, violas, even edible herbs like rosemary, bay, and coriander.
  • Contrast natural textures: stone, timber, dark mulch, with pops of colour or sculptural plants.
  • Simple outdoor lighting near the path or entry can lift the whole front of the house.



It's a great way to add small updates with a big impact.

Winter-Friendly Projects That Set You Up for Spring

There are jobs that are just easier in winter. Less heat, less stress, and more time to get it right.


  • Build retaining walls, decks, or outdoor kitchens without battling the summer heat.
  • Install drainage or irrigation systems before new growth kicks in and the ground's not baked solid.
  • Update your landscape design now so it’s ready to shine in spring.



That’s why we often recommend clients get ahead now.

Why Winter Landscaping Adds Value

Doing the work now means you’re ready when the weather warms up. It also boosts your property in ways that count.


  • Well-planned landscaping projects extend the lifespan of your outdoor zones.
  • A tidy, functional yard is a big tick for resale or rental potential.
  • Creating a healthy garden in winter sets you up for better results year-round.



And let’s be honest, finishing a job in winter just feels good. No heat. No rush. Just results.

Transform Your Yard


We’re designers, builders, and local legends. Founded by Mark Smith: stonemason, surfer, and didgeridoo noodler. We’re here to create beautiful landscapes that work hard and feel even better.


Whether it’s a quiet garden retreat, a functional family yard, or a full landscape overhaul, we’ll bring the vision, the know-how, and the communication to get it done right.


Keen to get started?


Discover the Gondwana Way and let’s get your outdoor space winter-ready.


By spring, you’ll be glad you did.

Stone Mason & Master Landscape Designer

We're not your typical gardeners, we're state-of-the-art landscapers.

At Gondwana Landscaping and Stone, we transform outdoor spaces into breathtaking, functional sanctuaries—designed with precision and built to last. We're an end-to-end landscape design & construction company:

🏡 Native Landscape Design

👷🏽‍♂️ Comprehensive Project Management

💐 Garden Maintenance

🪨  Paving & Stone Flagging

🪵 Retaining Walls (Timber & Stone)

💡 Outdoor Lighting

🏊‍♂️  Pool Surrounds

🌳 Decks & Pergolas

💦 Water Features

🚜  Earthworks & Driveways

🌱  Edible Gardens & Plant Selection

 🌿 Turf Installation & Irrigation

🧱Privacy Screens, Brick & Block Work

No hidden fees or blown up budgets - Discover Gondwana


Let’s bring your vision to life—on time, on budget, and beyond expectations.

Speak to Mark today to get a design consultation!

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