In Montreux, the garden sits between the lake and the mountains: terraces, stone walls, open views and generous sun. A gardener in Montreux can take care of routine maintenance as well as restoration, pruning or the creation of a whole outdoor space. SOS Jardin passes your request on to a professional landscape gardener in the region, who will contact you to prepare a free, no-obligation quote.
Climate and terrain in Montreux
Montreux is built on the slopes that run down from the Prealps to Lake Geneva. Districts such as Territet, Clarens, Chailly or Glion are quite different from one another: near the lake the air is mild and the light reflected by the water extends the season; higher up, winters are cooler and snow can settle for longer. The hills also shelter the shoreline from some cold winds, which explains the palm trees and Mediterranean plants seen in gardens and along the quays.
The terrain is the real issue. Most gardens are sloping, sometimes steeply, and are divided into terraces held up by walls, often of stone. Rainwater runs off these banks quickly: drainage, ground cover and the stability of the walls matter as much as the choice of plants. Access by steps or narrow paths also affects how a job is organised.
The gardening year in Montreux
Spring
The thaw comes early by the lake. It is the time to tidy the beds, prune shrubs that have flowered and replant the banks. On the upper parts it is wiser to stay cautious: a late frost can still hit young shoots. The first mowing and the weeding of paving joints and steps are done at this time.
Summer
South-facing terraces dry out quickly, and sloping soil holds water poorly. Well-adjusted watering, at the foot of the plants and during the cool hours, avoids waste and run-off. Laurel hedges and evergreen shrubs are trimmed after the spring growth; mowing is done a little higher to protect the lawn from drought.
Autumn
Autumn is the planting season: the soil is still warm and the rain helps roots establish. Leaves build up on terraces, steps and in drains, which need to be kept clear (see our guide to clearing autumn leaves). It is also a good time for tree pruning and landscape masonry work.
Winter
In the lower part of the town, winter is generally mild, but the higher districts see cold and snow. Sensitive exotic plants are protected, walls are checked after periods of freeze and thaw, and the dormant season is used to prune trees and prepare spring projects.
The most requested work in Montreux
Garden maintenance on sloping ground
Mowing, pruning, weeding, removal of green waste: on tiered terraces, maintenance takes time and suitable equipment. Entrusting garden maintenance to a professional keeps the garden tidy without giving up your weekends. For the lawn, see also lawn mowing and care.
Hedge trimming and tree pruning
Laurel and evergreen hedges are common in Riviera gardens, as are large trees, native or exotic. Hedge trimming is done at the right time to spare the plant, and tree pruning and removal require safe work, especially on a slope or near a house.
Retaining walls and gabions
Holding back the soil is a necessity on many Montreux plots. A professional assesses the pressure, the drainage and the right material: stone, concrete or gabions and retaining walls. An old wall that bulges or cracks deserves an opinion before the problem gets worse.
Landscape design and garden creation
Redesigning terraces, reviving an ageing garden or creating a new one that makes the most of the mild setting: this is the purpose of landscape design and garden creation. The choice of plants takes into account the exposure of each terrace.
Terraces, pergolas and living spaces
With a view over the lake, a wood or stone terrace becomes an extra room of the house, and a pergola provides shade in summer. On sloping ground, the structure and foundations call for careful study.
Automatic irrigation
On banks that dry out quickly, automatic irrigation distributes water by zone according to exposure and plant type. Properly set, it saves water and eases maintenance that is already demanding.
Things to check before some works
Certain works are subject to rules that depend on the canton and the municipal regulations: tree felling, hedges on the property boundary, garden structures such as a pergola, a shelter, a wall or a swimming pool. Check with the municipality before you begin. The landscape gardener who contacts you can guide you through these steps.
Making a request
- You describe your project online: type of garden, district, slope, access, what you would like.
- A professional landscape gardener from the region contacts you and visits the garden if necessary.
- You receive a free quote and are free to accept it or not.
Ready to start? Request a quote.
Around Montreux
Montreux is part of the canton of Vaud: see the page gardener-landscaper-vaud, or gardener in the canton of Vaud for the whole region, and browse all the areas covered in French-speaking Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Can a gardener work on a steeply sloping garden in Montreux?
Yes, it is a common situation in the region. The landscape gardeners who work here know the terraces, steps and narrow access routes. State the slope and the access in your request, so that the quote takes the site conditions into account.
When should hedges and shrubs be pruned in Montreux?
Evergreen hedges are generally pruned after the spring growth, and many trees during the dormant season. The mild climate by the lake sometimes shifts the timing compared with the higher districts. The professional adapts the timing to your plants.
Can Mediterranean plants be grown in Montreux?
In sheltered, sunny spots near the lake, you do indeed see palm trees and other plants suited to a mild climate. Higher up, the cold is more marked and the choice needs to be more careful. A local gardener will advise you according to the exposure of your plot.
My retaining wall has cracks: what should I do?
Have it examined by a professional without delay. A crack may come from insufficient drainage or from the pressure of the soil, and repair or rebuilding work cannot be improvised. Depending on the structure, steps with the municipality may also be needed.
Can my request concern Territet, Clarens, Chailly or Glion?
Yes, you can say which district is concerned. Each area has its own relative altitude, exposure and access, which affects the choice of plants and the organisation of the work. These details help the gardener prepare the quote.