Making the Most of Your Garden in the Winter Months

In the previous blog post we wrote lists to look back, learn and prepare for the new growing season.(Did you finish the exercises we did last week? Are you ready to continue?)

There is one more thing to take it even further!

How about planning NOW for next winter to make your garden look great THEN?

Check Your Window Views and Daily Routes in Your Garden

You can start by taking a peek outside from your windows and see if there is something to improve.

Your window views might be almost the only way to enjoy some parts of your garden during to winter, so why don’t make them enjoyable!

Then take a tour outside and figure out what else might be missing. Walk along the walkways that you keep open during the winter months. Is there something you could add to enjoy when passing it by even if it were something that you see only when taking the garbage out?

Joy in the Midst of Winter

I find it important that the outdoor space gives you joy on every day. Even in the midst of winter.

Maybe your garden would look more interesting by adding some of the following:

1) Plant Evergreens

Evergreens, such as junipers, pines, and yews are great for adding color and interest to your garden in winter. Especially if you have a lot of snow those are the plants, that keep your garden looking green and vibrant, even when other plants have gone dormant. Evergreen plants also provide shelter for the wildlife during the snowy months. (Download a list of plants I recommend >>HERE<<!)

2) Make Use of Texture

In winter, when many plants are dormant, texture, form and stem colors becomes especially important. Use:

• trees with flaking or peeling bark,
• evergreens with needles or shiny leaves,
• shrubs with beautiful shades of warm brown in stems or
• shrubs with interesting shapes like contorted branches.

3) Add Winter Blooms if You Live in a Warmer Climate without Snow

If you don’t have snow in your area during the winter, you might consider adding plants that have blooms in winter. Winter blooms, like witch hazels, hellebores and snowdrops, will bring a pop of color to your garden.

4) Add Color with Structures and Other Garden Features

Think of pergolas, trellises, pillars for vines and also artistic focal points or sculpture. Those can be wonderful elements in the garden. A coat of paint can turn ordinary structures into a centerpiece of your garden.

5) Experiment with Lighting

In a winter, lighting can be especially important. Try adding low-voltage lights to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere or spotlight interesting features in your garden. Or you could consider adding an inviting fire pit to gather around with a mug of hot cacao in your hand. Maybe even with warm blankets and some benches to sit on.

By incorporating these design ideas into your garden, you can keep your garden looking beautiful and vibrant all winter long.

TIME TO TAKE ACTION

Now, I want to take it a step further and give you the resource for choosing the perfect evergreens for your own garden.

That's why I've created a PDF called ”Essential Evergreens” that lists the best evergreen plants for adding winter interest for the USDA zones 2 to 9. In this PDF, you'll find a curated list of the most beautiful, hardy, and easy-to-grow evergreen plants.

All you need to do is click on the link below and you can grab your copy in just a few clicks.

So, why wait? If you're serious about adding some winter interest to your garden, this is the resource you've been looking for. So go ahead, download your copy now and start choosing the evergreens that you’re going to plant this spring.

I can't wait to see what you come up with. With a little creativity and some smart design choices, you can make the most of your garden even in the depths of winter!