Garden advice: practical guides for Romandy

A garden is not managed in the same way in Geneva, Sion or Château-d’Œx. The guides gathered on this page offer practical advice on maintaining, designing and protecting a garden in French-speaking Switzerland, whether you are preparing a project or simply want to better understand what is happening at your own property.

What these guides are for

Each guide covers a concrete, everyday topic: surfaces and terraces, fences and shelters, pruning trees and hedges, seasonal jobs, snow management, gardening at altitude. They help you understand the options available, the points to watch and the questions to ask before you begin.

The climate of French-speaking Switzerland varies a great deal from one place to another. The lakeshore enjoys a milder climate, the lowlands have colder winters and sometimes dry summers, while the mountains impose a delayed calendar, longer-lasting frost and snow that weighs on structures. Advice that works beside Lake Geneva may therefore not suit a garden in the Jura or the Alps: the guides take these differences into account.

These texts remain general. They are no substitute for the opinion of a professional who can see your land, nor for the rules of your commune, which are always worth checking before starting any work.

And if you want the work done for you

If you would rather hand the job over to a professional, you can request a quote, free and without obligation: your request is passed on to a gardener or landscape gardener in your region. You will also find details of the possible services on the our services page.

Stabilised gravel for paths and drives Stabilised gravel for a drive, courtyard or parking space: how it works, laying, upkeep, comparison with asphalt and paving, and advice by region. Read the guide → Laying garden paving slabs Garden paving slab terrace: choose concrete, stone or porcelain, lay it on gravel, pedestals or a concrete slab, and avoid frost damage, slipperiness and puddles. Read the guide → Dog-proof garden fencing Dog-proof fencing: height, materials, dogs that dig or jump, gate and neighbour rules. A practical guide for gardens in French-speaking Switzerland. Read the guide → Putting up a garden shed Garden shed or cabin: materials, location, foundation, ventilation and permits in French-speaking Switzerland. How to choose and install it well. Read the guide → Building a masonry barbecue Building a brick barbecue in your garden: location, foundation, firebricks, worktop, neighbour rules and upkeep in French-speaking Switzerland. Read the guide → Bioclimatic pergolas in Switzerland Bioclimatic pergola in French-speaking Switzerland: how it works, options, wind, snow, anchoring, planning permission and how it compares with other shelters. Read the guide → Pruning roses Pruning roses in French-speaking Switzerland: timing by region, the basic cuts and the right pruning for bush, climbing and old garden roses. Read the guide → Clearing and reusing autumn leaves Clearing autumn leaves: where to remove them, where to keep them as mulch or compost, which tools to choose and when to hand the job to a professional. Read the guide → Clearing snow from paths and drives Clearing snow from paths and drives: who is responsible, which tools, salt or grit, and how to protect hedges and paving at homes and chalets. Read the guide → Gardening at altitude in Western Switzerland Gardening at altitude in French-speaking Switzerland: short season, frost, snow and wind. Suitable plants, techniques and mistakes to avoid in a mountain garden. Read the guide →

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