To the east of Lausanne, Pully slopes down from the hillside to the shores of Lake Geneva, and its gardens follow the rhythm of the slope, the sun and the view over the lake. A gardener in Pully can take on routine upkeep, pruning, the restoration of a plot or the creation of a new garden. Describe your work: your request is passed on to a professional landscape gardener in the region.
Climate and terrain in Pully
Pully belongs to the Lake Geneva shoreline: the lake tempers the air, softens the winters and prolongs the autumn. Gardens in the lower part of the municipality enjoy this mild climate, close to that of the neighbouring Lavaux vineyards, while those higher up, towards La Rosiaz, are a little more exposed to wind and cool mornings.
The ground slopes almost everywhere. Properties are therefore organised in terraces, with walls, steps and banks that need as much care as the planting. The soils of the hillside are morainic and fairly chalky: they drain well, but dry out quickly in a south-facing position, and plants that like acid soils tolerate the lime poorly.
The southern aspect and the proximity of the lake make it possible to grow Mediterranean-type plants, such as lavender, rosemary or fig, provided they are given free-draining soil. Snow is occasional near the lake; it is more likely higher up, and a late frost can still catch young plantings out.
The gardening year in Pully
Spring
The soil warms up early near the lake, but late frosts remain possible: it is better to wait before putting out tender plants or sowing. This is the season for clearing beds, the first mowing, pruning shrubs that have flowered and putting banks right after the winter. On a slope, it is also a good time to check that run-off has not washed away soil.
Summer
South-facing gardens and chalky soils dry out quickly. Watering should be regular and deep rather than frequent and light, preferably in the morning or evening. Hedges are trimmed during the season to keep a neat shape. A mulch around the plants limits evaporation and weeding, which matters on banks that are hard to reach.
Autumn
Leaves from large trees pile up on terraces, steps and lawns, and it is best to clear them before they smother the grass or make steps slippery. Autumn is a good time for planting, as the soil is still warm and the rain helps plants to establish. It is also an opportunity to patch or reseed the lawn and prepare shrubs for winter.
Winter
The garden rests, but the work does not stop. Trees and some shrubs are pruned while dormant, and weakened branches are spotted before the gales. Frost-sensitive potted plants are protected or brought indoors. It is also the time to check walls, drainage and steps after the rains, and to prepare spring projects.
The most requested work in Pully
Terraced garden maintenance
On sloping ground, upkeep takes more time and care than on the flat: access by steps, banks to weed, tiered beds. A regular contract spreads the work over the year. To find out more, see garden maintenance, whether for a villa or for the shared areas of a co-owned property.
Lawn mowing and care
Lawns in Pully are often small, sloping and spread over several levels. Lawn mowing and care takes into account the slope, the exposure to the sun and soils that dry out fast in summer: cutting height, patching, watering.
Hedge trimming
Hedges mark the boundaries of many properties and screen them from view, sometimes from a view they must not block. Regular hedge trimming keeps them dense and neat, and stops them from encroaching on the neighbours. The professional chooses the timing according to the species.
Tree pruning and removal
The large properties on the hillside often shelter fine old trees. Tree pruning and removal calls for equipment and experience, especially on a slope or close to a house. A weak branch or a leaning tree deserves an opinion before the next storm.
Landscape design and retaining walls
Reworking terraces, stabilising a bank, creating a new level: landscape design is at the heart of Pully gardens. Gabions and retaining walls hold back the soil, and good drainage behind the structure avoids nasty surprises after heavy rain.
Garden creation
For a recent build or a plot to be rethought, garden creation starts from the slope, the sunshine and the view. Plants are chosen to suit a chalky soil that drains quickly, with practicable paths and resting areas facing the lake.
Things to check before some work
Some projects are regulated: tree removal, hedges on a property boundary, garden structures such as a pergola, a shelter, a wall or a pool. The rules depend on the canton and the municipal regulations. Check with the municipality before you start; the professional who contacts you can also guide you on the steps to take.
Making a request
- You describe your work online: type of garden, current condition, what you would like.
- A professional landscape gardener from the region contacts you and, if needed, visits the garden.
- You receive a free quote and you are free to accept it or not.
To get started, request a quote.
Around Pully
Requests for Pully come under the page gardener in the canton of Vaud, where you will find the other Vaud municipalities. To see the regions covered, consult all areas.
Frequently asked questions
Can a terraced garden be maintained in Pully?
Yes, it is a common request. The gardener adapts their work to the steps, banks and walls, and allows the time needed for a plot that is hard to reach. Describe the layout of the garden in your request to get a fair quote.
Which plants suit the climate of Pully?
Near the lake, the winter is fairly mild and the southern exposure is often warm. Mediterranean-type plants generally do well there if the soil drains freely. As the soil is fairly chalky, it is best to avoid plants that prefer acid soil. The professional will advise you according to your exposure.
Does a garden in Pully need a lot of watering?
On south-facing banks and in chalky soil, water drains away quickly. Regular watering in summer is useful, especially for young plantings. A well-set automatic irrigation system avoids wasting water and is readily installed on a slope.
When should trees and hedges be pruned in Pully?
It depends on the species. As a rule, most trees are pruned while dormant, in winter, and hedges during the season. For a fragile or imposing tree, a professional assesses the situation before stepping in.
Does the gardener visit the garden before the quote?
If the work calls for it, yes. The landscape gardener who contacts you can come by to measure, check the access and assess the slope. The quote is free and without obligation.