From Snow to Bloom: Designing a Dream Cottage Garden in Winter

Designing a garden is an exciting journey, and sometimes, the process begins long before the ground is ready to be worked. One of my favorite projects was helping to transform Helena’s one-hectare summer cottage garden online, starting in the depths of winter.

Helena purchased her summer cottage in late autumn 2021, and by January 2022, we were already planning her dream garden. With her property mostly an open lawn, she wanted to turn it into a vibrant and inviting space—ready to enjoy by summer.

"Working with Sari was such a meaningful experience. I wanted to brainstorm how to breathe life into my barren yard, and the ideas began flowing almost immediately. By the time summer arrived, I was already seeing the fruits of our efforts." – Helena

Designing in Winter: Can It Really Work?

Winter didn't hold us back! Starting in winter proved to be the perfect time to focus on the garden’s layout and overall structure. In our first online session, we explored Helena’s vision: a vegetable patch, herb boxes, fruit trees, vibrant perennial beds, and space for wildflowers.

Having completed my Garden Design Style Quiz and an online questionnaire, Helena came prepared, and her enthusiasm made the process seamless.

"I’d heard about Sari’s online garden design services, but I wondered—how would it work in the middle of winter, without a site visit?" - Helena 

Even with snow blanketing the property, we worked virtually to map out her ideas. Using base maps and photos she provided, I created visual drawings to show how her garden could take shape. Together, we sketched and refined ideas as if we were sitting at the same table, despite being miles apart.

Strategic Planning: A Solid Start for Helena’s Dream Garden

"During the first session, I realized how crucial light and direction were for garden design. Using the base map, Sari showed me how my wish list—herbs, a vegetable patch, fruit trees, perennials, and a meadow—could fit harmoniously across my large property. She outlined the placement, scale, and functionality of each feature in relation to the terrain and existing structures." – Helena

The result for our first session was a thoughtful spatial plan that divided her garden into functional zones. Each element found its place, from the welcoming perennial borders to the peaceful wildflower meadow. The design focused on balance and practicality while staying true to Helena’s vision of a vibrant, summer-ready cottage garden.

But a garden isn’t just about structure—it’s about plants! In the next part of this series, we’ll dive into creating Helena’s plant lists and selecting the right landscape contractor. Stay tuned!

To thriving gardens and inspiring designs!


PS. Have you been dreaming of a garden that’s as beautiful as it is functional? Winter is the perfect time to start planning!

For Finnish clients, I offer an online garden design service, just like I did for Helena. For those joining me from outside Finland, my Garden Plan Power Hour service provides personalized guidance to help refine your ideas and fine-tune your DIY garden plan—so it works perfectly for you and your site. Let’s transform your outdoor space—wherever you are!