Winter is here, and it’s here in force. But just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t spend time in the garden. You can still enjoy your green thumb and create an outdoor living space that offers a homely, warm feel and is also pleasing on the eye. Funk up your garden with some fantastic winter landscaping ideas to transform your outdoors from dead and drab to vibrant and fabulous.
Evergreen bushes and trees
Evergreen trees and bushes are the best way to keep your garden green and healthy looking all year round. Winter gardening needs to begin before the first frost has a chance to settle on your plants. There are very few plants that bloom in winter but there are a few that can enhance the drab look and feel of your garden.
Bulbs
There are some bulbs that bloom in winter such as snowdrops, daffodils and cyclamen.
Shrubs
Flowering shrubs add character, foliage and height to your garden. Witch hazel in different varieties work well and so do Rhododendrons.
Grasses
Visit your local nursery and find out more about the several ornamental grasses there are to choose from. Each has its own type of bloom, blade and shape.
Vegetable garden
Why stop growing those delicious veggies in the winter? There are certain vegetables that thrive during the winter months and you need to concentrate on those. There is basic trend that dark, green and leafy vegetables grow well in winter. Try swiss chard, red lettuce, brussel sprouts. Make sure you plant seedlings in pots and grow them for five or six weeks and at maturity replant, water frequently and apply fertilizer every couple of weeks.
Fake plants
Fake foliage has come a long way. There is none of this artificial looking plastic anymore and the natural looking options available are endless. They are easy to maintain and can be changed easily to create different looks. The best part of it all is that they will not let you down by dying. These work incredibly well on patios, or in pot plants around the garden.
Statues and Decor
Statues are a great way to add interest to your garden landscape. You can base them on a theme or collection in the form of water features and bird baths and feeders.
Don’t forget that your patio is also part of your garden and there is no need for it to be be bare and boring just because it is winter.
- Hang colourful wall art like welcome signs, pictures and sculptures.
- Thick colourful winter mats can be placed by the door to create an inviting welcome for friends and family.
- If you have a fireplace going in winter, why not bundle up the excess firewood and store it on the patio in a fetching firewood holder.
- Keep your wind chimes up all year round. The melodic sound they make will be calming and comforting.
Lighting
Use lighting in your garden as well as on your patio or front porch. Lighting creates a warm ambience and will give your garden a radiant glow. Try retail outlets like Builders Warehouse, Game, Mica, Lighting Warehouse and Radiant Lighting.
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