Fully lies at the foot of the Rhône’s right-bank hillsides, between terraced vineyards, chestnut groves and the agricultural plain. A gardener in Fully therefore works on very different ground: a villa garden on the plain, a sloping plot, or a chalet or second home higher up. You describe the work you need, and a professional gardener-landscaper from the region contacts you to prepare a free, no-obligation quote.
Climate and terrain in Fully
The climate of the Rhône valley is dry and sunny: little rain, hot summers and cold winters with snow at altitude. In Fully, these conditions combine with a favourable position at the foot of the hillside, which gets plenty of sun. The garden dries out quickly, and watering becomes a central concern as soon as the warm weather arrives.
The terrain matters as much as the climate. Between the plain and the terraced vineyards, many plots are sloped, with retaining walls, banks and levels that need looking after. The soil varies from place to place: softer and deeper towards the agricultural plain, stonier and freer-draining on the slopes. A well-planned garden works with these conditions rather than against them.
The gardening year in Fully
Spring
Spring is the season for getting things going again. Beds are cleared, early-flowering shrubs are pruned, and the walls and banks are checked after winter. It is also the time to reseed or fill out the lawn, and to check the irrigation system before the heat. In a dry climate, a leaking system or one that fails to start quickly costs you scorched plants.
Summer
Summers in the Valais are hot and dry. Water preferably early in the morning or late in the evening, deeply rather than often, to encourage roots to grow downwards. Mulch around plantings limits evaporation. Mow less closely to protect the lawn from the sun. If you leave your second home for a few weeks, a well-set automatic irrigation system stops you losing everything.
Autumn
Autumn is the ideal season for planting: the soil is still warm and the rains return. Leaves are raked up, particularly under the trees of the neighbouring chestnut grove or large specimens in the garden, hedges are trimmed and fruit trees are prepared. It is also a good time to treat banks and repair the sections of wall worn down by the summer.
Winter
On the plain, winter stays fairly quiet; at altitude, snow and frost set in. The dormant season is used to prune fruit trees, cut back trees and check access. Remember to drain and protect irrigation systems and outdoor water points before the frosts, especially for a chalet you do not occupy all year round.
The most requested work in Fully
Automatic irrigation
With hot summers and little rain, automatic irrigation is one of the most useful jobs in Fully. A zoned system lets you adjust the water to the lawn, beds and hedges, with a schedule that takes the exposure into account. On sloping ground, the landscape gardener chooses solutions that prevent run-off.
Villa garden maintenance
Garden maintenance in Fully covers mowing, pruning, weeding and looking after plantings, at a pace suited to the season. For a second home, regular visits keep the garden in good order even when you are away. Lawn mowing and care needs particular attention in summer, when the grass suffers from drought.
Walls and banks
On the hillsides, sloping plots often call for a retaining wall or gabions to hold back the soil and create usable levels. A bank that has been properly reworked and planted is more stable and easier to maintain. The landscape gardener advises you on the best solution for your slope and your land.
Fruit tree pruning
Orchards and fruit trees are part of the landscape on the plain and the hillsides. Pruning them while dormant encourages fruiting and keeps the tree balanced. For large specimens, tree pruning and removal is entrusted to a properly equipped professional, so the work is done safely.
Hedges
Boundary hedges screen you from view and wind, but they quickly grow in the Valais sun. Hedge trimming is done in several passes through the year, avoiding the hottest weather. A gardener can also replace a tired hedge with species better suited to the dry climate.
Landscape design
To rethink a terraced or sloping garden, landscape design organises the levels, paths, plantings and rest areas. Choosing drought-tolerant plants then reduces watering and upkeep.
What to check before certain works
Some projects are governed by rules that depend on the canton and the municipal regulations: tree felling, hedges on the property boundary, and garden structures such as a pergola, a shelter, a wall or a swimming pool. Before you start, check with the municipality of Fully whether any procedure is required. The professional who contacts you can point out what needs checking for your project.
Making a request
- You describe your project online: type of garden, work wanted, situation of the plot.
- A professional gardener-landscaper from the region contacts you and visits the garden if needed.
- You receive a free quote and are free to accept it or not.
Request a quote takes a few minutes.
Around Fully
If your garden is closer to the centre of the district, see the page for a gardener in Martigny. The communes of Saillon and Saxon are also covered. For an overview, see the page on a gardener in the canton of Valais or all areas covered.
Frequently asked questions
Does a garden in Fully need a lot of watering?
The dry, sunny climate of the Rhône valley makes watering essential in summer, especially on sloping, well-exposed ground. It is better to water deeply and at the cool time of day. Zoned automatic irrigation avoids waste and protects the garden while you are away.
Can a sloping or terraced garden be maintained?
Yes, it is routine work on the hillsides. The landscape gardener adapts the methods to the slope, checks the condition of walls and banks and, if necessary, proposes repairs or a more stable layout.
When should fruit trees be pruned?
Pruning is generally done while the plant is dormant, in winter, before growth resumes in spring. The exact timing depends on the species and the condition of the tree. A professional will advise you on site.
My chalet is a second home: can I hand the garden over to someone?
Yes. Regular maintenance, programmed watering and preparation before winter mean you find a well-kept garden on each stay. Say in your request when you are in residence.
Is the quote really free?
Yes, the quote is free and without obligation. A professional gardener-landscaper from the region contacts you, looks at your project and offers you a quote that you are free to accept or decline.