Created in 2018 through the merger of Bevaix, Saint-Aubin-Sauges, Gorgier, Fresens, Montalchez and Vaumarcus, La Grande Béroche stretches from Lake Neuchâtel to the foot of the Jura. Gardens here are varied: villas close to the vineyards, sloping plots, village hedges. A gardener in La Grande Béroche can take on routine upkeep as well as major projects, and you receive a free quote for your own property.
Climate and terrain in La Grande Béroche
The municipality brings together several villages, from the lakeshore up to the first slopes of the Jura. This makes for very different gardens from one neighbourhood to the next. Near the lake and the vineyards, the canton’s climate is mild: plants start growing early and the gardening season is long. Further up towards the Jura, conditions come closer to those of the higher ground, with colder, snowier winters.
The lie of the land matters as much as the climate. Many plots follow the slope, sometimes in terraces, and are held up by low walls. Exposure changes everything: a garden facing the lake and the sun dries out quickly in summer, while a plot backing onto the slope stays damp for longer. Before planting or relaying a lawn, it is worth observing the soil, the sunlight and how rainwater drains away.
The gardening year in La Grande Béroche
Spring
The warmer weather arrives early near the lake, later on the higher ground. It is the time to clear beds, scarify and re-seed the lawn, prune shrubs that flower in summer and prepare planting. In the cooler areas, it is best to wait until the risk of late frost has passed before putting out tender plants.
Summer
Sun-exposed plots, especially sloping gardens, dry out quickly. Regular, deep watering rather than frequent, shallow watering helps plants establish their roots. Mowing is set slightly higher in dry weather, and the first trim of fast-growing hedges is planned during the season.
Autumn
This is the main season for groundwork: planting trees and shrubs, restoring lawns, clearing leaves. Near the vines and village trees, foliage builds up quickly on lawns and paths. Our guide to clearing autumn leaves offers a few practical pointers. It is also a good time to have trees pruned before winter.
Winter
On the higher ground, snow and cold put the garden to rest. This is the time to prune fruit trees and ornamental trees outside the growing season, check the condition of low walls after frosts and plan spring projects. Near the lake, milder winters sometimes leave a little room to get certain jobs done.
The most requested work in La Grande Béroche
Villa garden upkeep
Villas in the municipality often have a garden that needs regular attention: mowing, weeding, pruning beds, cleaning paths. A garden maintenance contract stops the grounds from deteriorating between seasons. A landscape gardener adjusts visits to the pace of the vegetation, which starts earlier near the lake. For a second home, upkeep can also be carried out while you are away.
Hedges
Laurel, thuja or hornbeam hedges: they enclose gardens and screen them from view. Hedge trimming is timed according to the species and the exposure. A hedge left too long becomes hard to bring back to a reasonable height. A professional can also reshape an overgrown hedge.
Lawn
A fine lawn depends on the soil, the light and regular cutting. For lawn mowing and care, the gardener adjusts the cutting height to the season and treats moss or sparse patches. On sloping ground, mowing calls for suitable equipment.
Sloping gardens
Many plots in the area follow the terrain, with banks that are hard to look after on your own. Landscape design makes it possible to give them structure: levels, ground-cover planting to hold the soil, stable pathways. A good plan prevents erosion after heavy rain.
Low walls and retaining walls
In a land of vineyards and slopes, low walls are part of the landscape. Whether it is rebuilding a stone wall or supporting a bank, gabions and retaining walls are a common solution. The landscape gardener examines the ground and advises you on the most suitable option.
Points to check before certain work
Some projects do not depend on you alone. For felling trees, planting or trimming hedges on a property boundary, or building a pergola, shelter, wall or pool, the rules depend on the canton and the municipal regulations. Check with the municipality before you begin. The professional working on your property can guide you through these steps.
Making a request
- You describe your project online: type of garden, work required, location.
- A professional landscape gardener from the region contacts you and visits the garden if needed.
- You receive a free quote and are free to accept it or not.
To get started, you can request a quote.
Around La Grande Béroche
If your garden is closer to them, see also the pages on Boudry, Milvignes and Onnens. For an overview, see the page on a gardener in the canton of Neuchâtel or all areas.
Frequently asked questions
Why do gardens vary so much from one village to the next?
The municipality runs from the foot of the Jura down to the lake. Conditions change with the slope and the exposure: milder near the lake and the vineyards, cooler higher up. The gardener therefore adapts the planting and the calendar to each plot.
When should a hedge be trimmed in La Grande Béroche?
It depends on the species and the exposure. Fast-growing hedges often need a visit during the season, others a less frequent trim. A landscape gardener will tell you the right rhythm for your hedge.
Can a sloping garden be maintained easily?
Yes, provided it is laid out with care: levels, ground-cover plants and low walls limit erosion and make the work easier. For mowing, the equipment must suit the terrain. The professional assesses the slope during the visit.
Do I need permission to fell a tree or build a wall?
It depends on the canton and the municipal regulations. Check with the municipality before starting work of this kind. The landscape gardener can guide you through these steps.
Is the quote really free?
Yes, the quote is free and without obligation. A professional landscape gardener from the region contacts you, looks at your project and gives you an offer that you are free to decline.