Retirement living: Pots of gardening tips for downsizers

For some, moving to a smaller plot can be a relief, especially if it has become too difficult to manage. In this situation, the big decision is what to take with you and what to leave behind.

Before you move, pot up some of your favourite plants to take to your new place. You could take cuttings from your favourite shrubs.

Providing the plants are small to medium size, pot up what you love. If you can't find a place for them in the new garden then give them away as presents.

The advantage with pots is you can move your “garden”  at will, depending upon the time of the year and where the sun is. 

Large pots are better than small ones – they don’t dry out as easily and you can have several different types of plants in each one. You can put the pots on frames with wheels to make them easier to move around.

When it comes to choosing what to grow in your new garden, think about why you’re downsizing. Perhaps you’re no longer as fit as you used to be, or plan to travel and won’t have the time to devote to gardening.

If that is the case, then choose easy-care plants that will look after themselves, like cacti and other succulents, as well as natives. If you take a laid-back attitude to roses, they give value for money. Camellias are also very tough and hardy, providing you have the right microclimate. 

Bulbs are almost “set and forget” plants. Look out for potted colour annuals which are very inexpensive.

You could also give bonsai a go, although these do take a lot of looking after. Growing vegetables in large pots or tubs can also be very satisfying. 

Take photos of your old garden and, perhaps, collect them in a scrapbook or photo book so you don't forget what your garden looked like.

A new garden is a new opportunity, so enjoy!