Monthey lies on the Rhône plain, at the foot of the first hills of the Valais Chablais, between Lake Geneva and the Dents-du-Midi. A gardener in Monthey works with a climate that is wetter than in central Valais, with hot summers and cold winters. You describe your work, and a professional gardener from the region takes over the maintenance, pruning or creation of your garden.
Climate and terrain in Monthey
Valais is known for its dry, sunny climate, with little rain, hot summers and a real need for watering. Monthey sits at the western end of this valley, closer to Lake Geneva: rainfall is more generous than in central Valais, which makes for vigorous vegetation, but means you need to look after drainage and watch for damp-related diseases.
The commune mixes plain and hillside. On the plain, plots are fairly flat and get plenty of sun. On the slopes, gardens are terraced, with low walls, banks and mountain views. The shadow cast by the relief shortens the sunny part of the day in some neighbourhoods in winter, which matters when choosing plants and the position of a terrace.
Winters are cold and snow can settle, especially higher up. Frost-sensitive shrubs and potted plants need protection, while hedges and trees cope well with the cold season.
The gardening year in Monthey
Spring
This is the time to get the garden going again: clearing the beds, pruning shrubs that flower in summer, scarifying and reseeding the lawn. The soil warms up quickly on the plain, but late frosts are still possible, so wait before putting out tender plants. The first mowing comes with the return of growth.
Summer
Summers are hot, even if the Chablais is less dry than the rest of Valais. Watering should be regular and deep, preferably early in the morning or in the evening. An automatic system avoids forgotten waterings and saves water. Hedges are trimmed after the first flush of growth, and the lawn is mown higher to protect the grass from the heat.
Autumn
Autumn is the best season for sowing or redoing a lawn and for planting trees and shrubs: the soil is still warm and the moisture returns. Fallen leaves should be raked up regularly so they do not smother the grass. It is also the time for maintenance pruning and for preparing the beds before the cold.
Winter
The garden rests, but the work goes on: pruning trees while they are bare, pruning fruit trees, servicing equipment and fences. After a snowfall, laden branches can break, so checking large trees near houses and access routes is a sensible precaution. Earthworks and masonry projects are planned for the return of fine weather.
The most requested work in Monthey
Garden maintenance
With vegetation that grows well, regular maintenance stops the garden getting away from you. A landscape gardener visits at a rhythm suited to the season: weeding, pruning, care of the beds, removal of green waste. It is the solution for second homes and co-owned properties. See garden maintenance.
Mowing and lawn care
In the Chablais, the lawn stays green longer than in central Valais, but it needs frequent mowing in spring and treatment against moss where dampness lingers. Aeration, sanding and reseeding are best planned for autumn. See mowing and lawn care.
Hedge trimming
Thuja, laurel or hornbeam hedges border many villas. Good trimming, in several passes over the year, keeps the hedge dense and avoids gaps. It also limits foliage spilling onto the public road or into the neighbours’ plots. See hedge trimming.
Tree pruning and removal
Large trees in gardens on the plain and on the hillsides benefit from regular pruning, for the safety of the premises and for light in the house. When a tree is diseased or dangerous, a properly equipped professional steps in with the right means. See tree pruning and removal.
Landscape design
On sloping ground, landscape design involves retaining walls, landings and paths. On the plain, it is more a matter of structuring the garden around a terrace, beds and plantings suited to the climate. See landscape design.
Automatic irrigation
With hot summers, automatic irrigation takes the burden off owners, especially during absences. It is set by garden zone: lawn, beds, vegetable patch. See automatic irrigation.
Worth checking before certain work
Some work calls for enquiries before you begin. For felling a tree, pruning or planting hedges on a property boundary, and garden constructions such as a pergola, a shelter, a wall or a pool, the rules depend on the canton and the communal regulations. Check with the commune before starting the project. The professional who contacts you can guide you through these steps.
Making a request
- You describe your work online: type of garden, work required, commune.
- A professional 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.
Request a quote takes a few minutes.
Around Monthey
Your request can also cover other communes: find the gardener in the canton of Valais for the whole canton, or see all the areas covered in French-speaking Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Is the climate in Monthey different from central Valais for gardening?
Yes. Monthey is closer to Lake Geneva and receives more rain than central Valais. A wider variety of plants can be grown there, but drainage and the prevention of fungal diseases deserve more attention. Watering is still useful in midsummer.
When is the right time to redo a lawn in Monthey?
Early autumn is the ideal period: the soil is still warm, the moisture returns and the grass takes root before winter. Spring also works, but the young lawn will be more vulnerable to summer heat. A gardener can prepare the soil and choose the right seed mix.
Does the garden need protecting from the cold in Monthey?
Winters are cold, with snow mainly at higher altitude. Frost-sensitive plants, potted plants and young specimens should be protected before the first frosts. Hedges, trees and most perennials cope well with the season.
Does a sloping garden need special maintenance?
Yes. On a hillside, soil can wash away in heavy rain, and banks need ground-cover plants or retaining walls. Mowing and pruning are also more delicate there. A landscape gardener assesses the ground before suggesting a solution.
My garden is at a second home: can I have it maintained while I am away?
Yes, this is a common request. A professional gardener from the region can handle regular maintenance, mowing, pruning and watering while you are away. Mention it in your request so that the quote matches your situation.