004 | Winter Magic: Designing Gardens for All Seasons

From the Garden: Window Views and Winter Charm

As the holiday season unfolds, I’ve been reminded of how much our gardens still have to offer, even in the quiet hush of winter. Though the days are shorter and we spend more time indoors, our connection to the garden doesn’t disappear—it simply changes. For me, it’s the view from my favorite window that truly transforms the season.

When I look out, I’m not greeted by empty darkness. Instead, my garden feels alive, even now. The structure of evergreen trees, the interplay of textures, and the glimmer of lights weaving through bare branches create a scene that’s both peaceful and magical. These moments remind me of the power of planning a garden that enchants me in every season.

In winter, it’s not about lush flowers or bustling bees—it’s about the quiet beauty of simplicity. A well-placed tree or shrub can frame a view perfectly, while soft lighting illuminates pathways, creating a space that feels warm and welcoming, even in the frostiest of weather. When snow falls, it enhances every branch and curve, turning the garden into a living holiday card.

This year, I’ve been reflecting on how these elements don’t just brighten our gardens but brighten our spirits too. The right design choices make all the difference—whether it’s evergreen plantings that hold their color or decorative structures that catch the eye. Even a small change, like adding string lights to a trellis, can transform a dark corner into a festive retreat.

So as we prepare for the holiday season, I encourage you to take a moment to look out your own windows. Imagine the ways your garden can evolve into a space that brings joy in every season. And remember, even now, amidst the stillness of winter, the magic of the garden is always within reach.

Wishing you a warm and wonder-filled holiday season,


PS. I highly value DIY and try to encourage it in many creative ways. This photo about me results from a mother-son photo shoot session. By taking action and just doing it, you can build your confidence (or your loved one’s like in this case), enjoy the process, and feel content that you did it yourself. 

Designer’s Corner: Evergreens, the Winter’s Stars 

When winter arrives, the garden often takes on a quieter, more understated beauty. Gone are the colorful blooms and buzzing activity of warmer months, leaving behind a world of frost-tipped branches and soft, snowy blankets. Yet, this is precisely when the often unappreciated evergreens step into the spotlight, providing life, structure, and a sense of continuity.

Whether you’re designing a new garden or enhancing an existing one, incorporating evergreens and durable architectural features is the key to creating a landscape that thrives in every season.

Evergreens: The Backbone of a Winter Garden

Evergreens are indispensable for their ability to hold their form, color, and texture when other plants have retreated for the season. Here are a few standout categories to consider:

• Conifers: Trees like blue spruce, dwarf pines, and junipers offer sculptural shapes that are both dramatic and serene. Their needle-like foliage captures snow beautifully, creating an elegant look that’s especially striking in a winter landscape.
• Broadleaf Evergreens: Plants like boxwood, holly, and rhododendrons bring deep green hues to the garden. Many, like holly, also bear vibrant berries, offering splashes of red that brighten snowy settings.
• Winter-Blooming Shrubs: If you live in a more temperate climate, for a touch of surprise, include shrubs like witch hazel or viburnum. Their delicate blooms defy the chill, providing bursts of color when it’s least expected.

Evergreens do more than simply look beautiful—they serve as vital shelter for wildlife during winter’s harshest months. Birds like chickadees find refuge among their dense branches, while smaller animals use them as protection from predators. By planting evergreens, you not only enhance your garden’s winter appeal but also support the creatures that bring it to life.

Design Tips for Maximum Impact

Creating a captivating winter garden requires thoughtful planning. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your evergreens and structures:

• Layer Your Greens: Combine evergreens of different sizes, shapes, and textures to create depth and interest. For instance, pair the feathery needles of a cedar with the dense dark green needles of a yew or the glossy leaves of a mahonia. Plant evergreens where they’ll create a striking scene from a window.
• Frame the View: Consider the garden from key indoor vantage points. Plant evergreens or position structures where they’ll create a striking scene from a window.
• Highlight With Lighting: Subtle lighting can transform your garden into a magical retreat. Use up-lighting to emphasize the form of trees or place soft pathway lights to guide the way.
• Add Pops of Color: Incorporate plants with berries or, if your climate allows, with winter blooms for moments of visual surprise. Red, orange, and gold tones stand out beautifully against snowy backdrops.

A Haven for Wildlife

Winter gardens are not just for human enjoyment—they play an important role in supporting wildlife. Evergreens offer much-needed protection from the cold, while their seeds or nearby berries provide food during a time of scarcity. To further encourage feathered visitors, consider adding feeders or birdhouses near evergreen plantings. Watching birds flit among the branches adds another layer of life and joy to the garden.

The Beauty of Continuity

As you design your winter garden, remember that evergreens provide more than seasonal beauty. They create a sense of continuity, anchoring the landscape through every season. When the snow melts and spring awakens, these elements will seamlessly transition into the background, ready to support the next act of the garden’s year-round performance.

By choosing the right plants and features, you can ensure that your garden is a source of inspiration and tranquility, no matter the weather.

Blueprint Bonus: Essential Evergreens

Looking to add timeless beauty and structure to your winter garden? My exclusive guide, Essential Evergreens, is here to help! This downloadable PDF is packed with expert recommendations for must-have evergreen plants that bring color, texture, and life to your landscape all year long.

Inside, you’ll find:


🌿 A curated list of evergreen trees, shrubs, and groundcovers to suit USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
 3 to 6.

Whether you’re planning a new garden or enhancing your current one, this guide will inspire you to create a winter landscape that’s both functional and breathtaking.

Click below to download your free copy of Essential Evergreens and start designing a garden that’s always in season!

Download Essential Evergreen Now 

Learn & Grow: Garden Plan Power Hour

One of the greatest joys of designing a garden is creating a layout that feels balanced and beautiful in every season. If you’ve ever wondered how to position evergreens or structural plants to frame your views or how to make your garden flow naturally, my Garden Plan Power Hour is here to help.

This personalized coaching session is designed to give you clarity and confidence as you plan your garden layout. We’ll explore ways to incorporate evergreens and hardy structures that create year-round interest while also solving common design challenges. Whether you’re enhancing an existing garden or starting from scratch, this hour is all about practical strategies tailored to your space.

Together, we’ll focus on things like:


🌿 Placing key plants to create balanced, stunning views from inside and outside.


✨ Incorporating focal points that make your garden feel intentional and welcoming.


💡 Making the most of structural elements, like pathways or trellises, for an inviting flow.

This session isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress and giving you tools to design a garden that reflects your vision. If this sounds like the kind of help you’ve been looking for, the Garden Plan Power Hour is the perfect way to get started!

Learn more & book here 

Join the Conversation: Your Winter Garden Favorites

We’d love to hear from you! Winter gardens are full of quiet charm, and every gardener has their own way of making the season magical. As a subscriber, you’re part of an exclusive community that shares a love for thoughtful garden design.

Let’s start a conversation:

🌿 What’s your favorite evergreen or structural plant for winter interest?


 💡Have you added lighting or other features that make your garden shine during these darker months?

Or maybe you’re planning a new addition to your garden—what’s on your wishlist for creating a winter-friendly space?

Your insights and ideas could inspire others in our community. Comment below and share your thoughts—we can’t wait to read them!

Not a subscriber yet? Become part of this growing garden design community and join the conversation today.