The air is crisp. There is snow on the ground. Jack Frost has definitely been for a visit. Winter is here. But what does that mean for your garden?
When we think of a beautiful, blooming yard, we get images of spring and summer in our heads. But a beautiful garden doesn’t need to be just for the warmer months.
Follow our winter landscaping tips, and your garden will look gorgeous and full of life, whatever the weather.
What Is Winter Landscaping?
Winter landscaping is creating a carefully planned out garden or yard for the winter. This can involve changes in the terrain or surfaces, new structures and decor, plants and grass, lights and sprinklers, and more.
Residential landscaping will turn your yard into a feature. If you are not a confident gardener, then there are professional landscaper companies such as https://allenoutdoorstl.com/ who can help with your landscaping needs. Otherwise, you can follow our landscaping advice, roll up your sleeves, and get your hands dirty.
How to Make Your Garden Winter Ready
To get a beautiful winter garden, you need to know what to plant, how to care for your garden, and how to populate it.
One of our favorite landscaping tips is understanding which plants work best for winter and how to prepare your yard for winter.
Here are our favorite ways to incorporate winter landscaping into your yard.
Get Your Yard Ready
If you want a thriving garden for the winter, preparation is critical. Keep your grass healthy by raking up any fallen leaves. Weed your bedding, mow your lawn, winterize your water system, cut back any flowering plants, and trim your shrubs.
This will keep your yard looking healthy in the winter and make it ready for spring.
Choose Winter-Friendly Plants
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a full variety of plant life. The trick is to choose plants that thrive in the cold and plant them before the ground freezes.
- Red Osier Dogwood
- Bayberry
- Plume Grass
- Pansies and Violas
- Snowdrops
- Hellebores
- Camellia
- Cyclamen
These plants will allow you to enjoy color even in the darkest months.
Include Berries and Evergreens
Coniferous evergreens are a must for winter landscaping. They look full and vibrant all year round. Opt for varieties of cedar, spruce, fir, and juniper trees.
Ornamental grasses are another excellent evergreen option. They are hardy plants and provide texture and shelter, making them great for attracting winter wildlife.
Berry options thrive in the winter and provide a food source for wildlife. They look super festive too. Winterberry Holly, Euonymus, Cotoneaster, and Skimmias are all great berry shrubs.
Decorate With Seasonal Ornaments
To create a fun winter landscape, decorate your space with seasonal ornaments and decor. For the fall, create your very own pumpkin patch, and in the winter, add some festive touches to get you in the spirit.
Create a Wildlife Retreat
Invite wildlife into your yard and add color and life the natural way! Encourage birds to visit your garden by planting dormant perennials, such as black-eyed Susan and ornamental grasses. A heated birdbath would make a very welcome addition for thirsty critters.
Plant shrubs that are native to your area, as this will attract them in greater numbers.
Create a Cozy Nook
If you want to get out and enjoy your winter landscaping efforts, and if you have space, then create a cozy nook. Invest in an outdoor heater, a fire pit, twinkle lights, and some good furniture. Then bundle up with blankets and relax in your winter paradise.
Enjoy Your Winter Garden
There are so many ways to enjoy your garden in the colder months. Understanding how winter landscaping can help adapt your garden will make it an inviting and beautiful space to enjoy, come snow or shine.
If you found our tips helpful, then make sure you check out some of our other articles. Thanks for reading!