In Ormont-Dessous, in the Ormonts valley, a garden is often shared between a chalet terrace, sloping meadows and the edge of the forest. A gardener in Ormont-Dessous can take care of routine upkeep, restore a plot left untended for a few months or prepare the property before the snow. Describe your work: a professional landscape gardener from the region will contact you and prepare a free, no-obligation quote.
Climate and terrain in Ormont-Dessous
The municipality lies in the Vaud Alps and stretches across the Ormonts valley, around Le Sépey and La Forclaz. This is a long way from the mild climate of the shores of Lake Geneva and its vineyards: the canton of Vaud runs from the lakeside to the plateau, then to the foot of the Pre-Alps, where winters are colder and frosts arrive later in the season. Ormont-Dessous sits on the mountain end of that scale.
The landscape is made up of chalets, meadows and forests. The slope, the sun exposure from one side of the valley to the other and the proximity of trees vary greatly from one plot to the next: a well-exposed plot warms up early in spring, while another stays in shade for much of the season. Snow settles in winter and weighs on hedges, branches and small structures. A garden here is therefore designed with the mountains in mind: hardy plants, vegetation that recovers quickly, and regular upkeep so that nature does not take over again. For the general principles, see our guide to gardening at altitude.
The gardening year in Ormont-Dessous
Spring
Vegetation restarts later than on the plain, and frosts can return after the first fine days. Spring is first of all a time to assess winter damage: broken branches, hedges flattened by snow, compacted lawn or meadow. The surroundings of the chalet are cleaned and debris is cleared, then you wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting or sowing. It is also a good time for a first mow and to decide what will be kept or redone.
Summer
Grass grows quickly in the meadows, and brush gains ground as soon as upkeep slackens. Summer is the season for regular mowing, clearing brush on banks and along the forest edge, and trimming hedges once growth is well under way. In a second home, a scheduled visit avoids returning to an overgrown plot at every arrival. On a slope, watering needs care: water runs off, and light soil dries out faster than expected.
Autumn
This is the season of preparations. Leaves are cleared, a last mow is done, whatever needs trimming is trimmed and branches threatening the roof, terrace or access are pruned. Fragile shrubs are protected, garden furniture is put away and outdoor water lines are drained so they do not freeze. The earlier you start, the better the garden comes through the winter unharmed.
Winter
The garden rests under the snow, but it is not safe from harm. The weight of snow can break branches or bend hedges and fences. Winter is also a time for planning: terrace, wall or planting projects to prepare for spring, and quotes to compare without urgency. For access routes and paths, see also the question of snow clearing, which we cover on another page.
The most requested work in Ormont-Dessous
Upkeep of chalet and second-home gardens
Many owners are not on site all year round. Regular garden maintenance, with visits suited to the seasons, keeps the property tidy without you having to think about it. The gardener can agree a schedule with you that takes into account the periods when the chalet is occupied.
Brush clearing
On sloping ground at the edge of the forest, brambles and young shoots come back quickly. Brush clearing opens up banks, the surroundings of the chalet and access paths. It can be part of garden maintenance or ordered as a one-off restoration.
Meadow mowing
The valley’s meadows need mowing suited to the slope and the height of the grass. For a lawn closer to the house as much as for a field, lawn mowing and care is adjusted to how you use the land and the time you have available.
Tree pruning
With the forest close by and snow in winter, large branches above a roof or a path deserve a look. Tree pruning and removal should be entrusted to a professional equipped to work safely, especially on sloping ground.
Winter preparation
Last mow, clearing leaves, hedge trimming, protecting sensitive plants: winter preparation is done in autumn, before the first snow. It limits damage and makes the spring restart easier.
Worth checking before certain work
Some work requires checking the rules before you start. Felling a tree, the height or distance of a hedge on a property boundary, or building a pergola, shelter, wall or swimming pool may be regulated. The rules depend on the canton and on municipal regulations: check with the municipality of Ormont-Dessous before starting the project. The landscape gardener who contacts you can advise on the steps to consider.
Make a request
- You describe your work online: upkeep, brush clearing, trimming, pruning or garden creation.
- 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 Ormont-Dessous
Further down the valley, you can also see the page for the gardener in Aigle. For an overview of the canton, see gardener in the canton of Vaud, or browse all areas.
Frequently asked questions
When should garden upkeep start in Ormont-Dessous?
In the mountains, vegetation starts later than on the plain and frosts can last. You generally begin with a spring clean-up, then start mowing and trimming once the risk of frost has passed. A local gardener knows this rhythm and will advise you according to your plot’s exposure.
Can a gardener look after a chalet that I only occupy from time to time?
Yes, this is a common request. Upkeep is planned as regular visits that do not require your presence. In your request, state the periods when you are on site and what you would like to find on arrival.
Is brush clearing useful on a plot at the forest edge?
Often, yes. Near the forest, brambles and young shrubs gain ground quickly. Regular brush clearing keeps the surroundings open and avoids heavier restoration work later on.
How do I prepare the garden before the snow?
You do a last mow, clear the leaves, trim and prune fragile branches. You also protect sensitive plants and drain outdoor water lines so they do not freeze. A visit in autumn limits winter damage.
Is the quote really free?
Yes. The quote is free and without obligation. The landscape gardener from the region who contacts you can visit the garden if necessary, and you then decide freely what to do next.