Gardens in the Val-de-Travers follow the rhythm of a Jura valley: a lovely season that passes quickly, then a long winter that needs to have been planned for. A gardener in Val-de-Travers knows these constraints and what it is reasonable to plan, from Fleurier to Couvet, from Môtiers to Travers. Routine maintenance, lawn mowing, hedges, tree pruning or winter preparation: you describe your work, and a professional gardener from the region gets back to you.
Climate and terrain in Val-de-Travers
Val-de-Travers was created in 2009 through the merger of nine municipalities in the Areuse valley, in the Neuchâtel Jura. Fleurier, Couvet, Môtiers and Travers are part of it, and the region is known as the home of absinthe. The climate is that of the Jura valleys and uplands: long, cold, snowy winters, quite different from those on the lakeshore and in the vineyards, where it is noticeably milder.
This contrast affects the choice of plants. A narrow valley holds the cold and sometimes lets damp settle at the bottom of a plot. Village house gardens, often on a slope or backing onto a wall, call for common sense: hardy plants, soil that drains properly, and protection for anything vulnerable to frost. Here, you first choose what survives the winter, then what you like.
The gardening year in Val-de-Travers
Spring
Spring arrives later than on the lakeshore, and frost can return after the first fine days. It is best to wait before uncovering tender plants and before sowing. This is the time to clear the beds, prune what needs pruning, reseed the lawn damaged by snow and redo the borders.
Summer
The good season is short, but growth is vigorous. The lawn needs regular mowing, hedges grow back quickly, and beds benefit from watering in the morning rather than in the midday heat. A garden that is looked after regularly stays easy to keep up: this is often what people hand over to a professional when they are only there from time to time.
Autumn
Autumn is the season of preparation. Leaves are raked up, there is one last mowing, hedges are trimmed one last time, and trees whose branches might bend under the snow are checked. Sensitive plants are also protected, and furniture and tools are put away or stored under cover.
Winter
Winter is long and snowy: the garden rests, but it should not be forgotten. Trees and hedges are checked after heavy snowfall, walking on a frozen lawn is avoided, and the period is used to plan the next year’s work. A quote requested in winter lets you secure a slot for the good season.
The most requested work in Val-de-Travers
Village house garden maintenance
Village gardens are often modest in size, with low walls, steps and flower beds to look after. Regular garden maintenance stops weeds and brambles from taking over. The gardener visits at a rhythm suited to the season, more often in spring and summer.
Lawn mowing and care
In this climate, grass grows mainly during the good season, and snow puts it to the test. Lawn mowing and care also includes restoring the lawn after winter, when it is compacted or thin. A suitable cutting height makes it more resilient.
Hedge trimming
Hedges mark many property boundaries in the valley. Hedge trimming is done at the right time for the species, respecting the birds’ nesting season. A well-kept hedge stays dense and withstands the weight of snow better.
Tree pruning
A neglected tree becomes a risk when snow weighs down its branches. Tree pruning and removal should be left to an equipped professional, especially near a house, a power line or a road. An on-site assessment helps decide whether to thin, prune or, as a last resort, fell.
Preparing the garden for winter
Before the first snow, an end-of-season visit prevents a lot of damage: leaves cleared, final pruning, protection of fragile plants. This preparation is part of garden maintenance and is planned in autumn. For higher plots, the guide to mountain gardening offers further pointers.
What to check before certain work
Before felling a tree, planting or cutting a hedge on a property boundary, or building in the garden (pergola, shelter, wall, pool), you need to make sure of the applicable rules. They depend on the canton and the municipal regulations: check with the commune before you begin. The professional who comes to see your garden can also advise you on the procedures to expect.
Making a request
- You describe your work online: type of garden, work wanted, commune.
- A professional gardener from the region contacts you and visits the garden if necessary.
- You receive a free quote and remain free to accept it or not.
To get started, you can request a quote.
Around Val-de-Travers
If your garden is closer to the lake or to the upper part of the canton, see our pages for Boudry, Le Locle and Neuchâtel. You will also find an overview on the page gardener in the canton of Neuchâtel, and the full list under all areas.
Frequently asked questions
When should I prepare my garden for winter in Val-de-Travers?
It is best to do it in autumn, before the first snow and frosts. Leaves are cleared, pruning is finished and sensitive plants are protected. A gardener can do this end-of-season visit for you.
Can I hand over the upkeep of a holiday home garden?
Yes, this is a common request. A landscape gardener can visit at regular intervals during the good season and keep an eye on the garden the rest of the year. Say in your request when you are on site.
Why does the lawn suffer after winter?
Snow, frost and damp compact and weaken the grass in a valley with a cold climate. In spring, a gardener can aerate, reseed bare patches and gradually resume mowing. A lawn well kept in summer withstands the following winter better.
When should hedges be trimmed in the valley?
It depends on the species and how the hedge is used. The period when birds nest is generally avoided, and an end-of-season trim prepares the hedge for winter. The gardener will advise you according to your planting.
Is the quote really free?
Yes, the quote prepared by the landscape gardener is free and without obligation. They visit the garden if needed, then propose their work. You remain free to accept it or not.