Start now, enjoy in the new year
Are you dreaming of a new garden or pool?
September is the ideal month to start.
Here you can find out why professionals start planning now and how you can relax and enjoy the new year.
September combines optimal natural conditions with clever project planning: warm soil and cooler air create perfect planting and growing conditions, while you gain enough time for conception, comparing offers and possible approvals. If you start now, you can avoid the spring rush and use your new garden or pool in the new year.
Woody plants and hedges benefit from the start of fall
The period from the end of September to late fall is considered by garden experts to be the optimal planting time for shrubs and hedges. The still warm soil in combination with cooler air and natural rainfall creates ideal growing conditions. The plants can develop a strong root system before winter and take off with full energy in spring.
Practical tip from bluegardens: Although container plants can be planted all year round, they require significantly less watering in the fall than summer plantings – this saves time and water.
Lawn system: The September advantage
In Central Europe, the period from August/September to October is almost perfect for establishing or renewing a new lawn. The summer heat stored in the soil (15 to 20°C soil temperature) accelerates germination, while morning dew and autumn rainfall ensure constant moisture. The result: a dense, hardy sward that is already fully resilient in spring.
The decisive advantage: while others are still starting to plan in the new year, your garden will continue to develop over the winter. You start with a green, established outdoor area.
Intelligent project planning: the time advantage makes the difference
Realistic time planning for garden and pool projects
A well thought-out garden project with a pool typically requires:
- Design phase: 2 to 4 weeks for conception and coordination
- Approval phase: 4 to 8 weeks (if necessary)
- Construction phase: 8 to 12 weeks (depending on system, soil conditions and weather)
If you start in September and plan backwards from your desired date in April/May, you automatically avoid the spring peak for tradesmen and suppliers. Availability is better and prices are often cheaper than in the high season.
Material selection and technical decisions without time pressure
Designing garden spaces, selecting materials, developing lighting concepts, planning water technology. All these decisions take time and care. For pool projects, there is also the choice of system, filter systems and heating technology. The start of fall gives you the necessary leeway for:
- Several rounds of quotations and price comparisons
- Material comparisons and sampling on site
- Detailed coordination without hectic
- Inspection of reference projects
Clarify the legal framework at an early stage
Swimming pools up to 100 m³ often do not require a permit
Many federal states in Germany classify swimming pools up to 100 m³ as projects that do not require a permit – however, the details vary depending on the state law and the location of the property:
Bavaria (BayBO Art. 57 Para. 1 No. 10 a): Swimming pools up to 100 m³ exempt from procedure
Berlin (§ 61 BauO Bln): Swimming pools up to 100 m³ including air-supported roofs do not require approval, except in outdoor areas
North Rhine-Westphalia (Section 62 BauO NRW 2018): Swimming pool up to 100 m³ exempt from procedure, only permitted in outdoor areas as an annex to a residential building
Important: Check the development plan, boundary distances (usually at least 3 m) and municipal bylaws at an early stage. The fall start gives you the necessary time buffer for any coordination with the authorities.
Your concrete roadmap:
Start now – enjoy in the new year
| Month | Milestone | Result |
|---|---|---|
| September | Initial consultation, define goals and budget, on-site appointment with bluegardens, inventory | Requirements catalog, site plan with as-built data, cost estimate |
| October | Preliminary planning and design, 3D visualization, variant development | Design plans, detailed cost calculation |
| November | Detailed planning, selection of materials and plants, final coordination | Implementation planning, work contracts |
| December | Material orders, prefabrication, earthworks if necessary in mild weather | Assured delivery dates, prepared construction site |
| January-February | Weather-dependent work, prepare technical installation | Structural work, pipe laying |
| March | Intensive construction phase: pool assembly, technical installations | Pool basin in place, technology installed |
| April | Landscaping, planting, lawn, commissioning | Completion, water filling |
| May | Fine-tuning, instruction, maintenance coaching | Full use of your new system |
Your September checklist
for the perfect project start
1. specify objectives and requirements
- Define usage concept (lane swimming, family pool, wellness oasis)
- Define the style (modern, natural, Mediterranean)
- Calculate a realistic budget (incl. 15-20% reserve)
- Consider maintenance and follow-up costs
2. carry out an inventory
- Have the property surveyed
- Check soil conditions (observe groundwater level)
- Document the course of the sun (September shows realistic lighting conditions)
- Locate existing cables
3. clarify the legal framework
- View the development plan at the building authority
- Check boundary distances (often 3 m, varies from region to region)
- Inform neighbors in good time
- Contact insurance (liability, buildings)
4. prepare planting in the fall
- Select trees and shrubs suitable for the location
- Plan privacy hedges for privacy
- Prepare soil improvement (compost, drainage)
5. determine pool technology
- Energy-efficient heat pump (COP > 5)
- Automatic cover (safety, less heat loss)
- Salt water system or chlorine dosing
- Smart pool control for optimum operation
6. strategically design the schedule
- Start planning in the fall to be able to build directly in the spring
- Enquire tradespeople early and secure capacities
- Consider delivery times for technology and materials
Cost framework and financing options
Realistic budget planning (current guidelines)
- Landscaping: 100 to 300 €/m² depending on features
- Pool (8x4m, complete): 35,000 to 75,000 €
- High-quality roofing: € 15,000 to € 30,000
- Additional costs: approx. 15 to 20% for planning, permits, contingencies
Tip: Many banks offer special modernization loans for outdoor facilities. The increase in value of your property through a professional pool is 5 to 10%.
Frequently asked questions about the fall start
of garden and pool projects
Is fall really better than spring for planting?
Yes, definitely. The growth rate is over 90% in the fall and only around 75% in the spring. Reason: The warm soil and cooler air reduce evaporation stress.
Is it even possible to build in winter?
Modern construction techniques allow work down to minus 5°C. Only concrete work in frosty conditions is critical. With appropriate planning, we make the most of mild winter phases.
How long does a complete pool project realistically take?
From the initial idea to the first dip in the water: 4 to 6 months. The pure construction time is 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the system (prefabricated pools faster than brick-built pools).
Do I need planning permission for my pool?
Pools up to 100 m³ are exempt from planning permission in most federal states. An 8x4m pool with a depth of 1.5m has 48 m³ and is therefore significantly less. We will check this for you on a site-specific basis.
What does pool operation cost per year?
With efficient technology and coverage: €800 to €1,500 for energy, water and chemicals. A heat pump pays for itself in 3 to 5 years.