Landscaping For Your Winter Garden
Landscaping in the winter is just like landscaping at any other time. There’s no particular season it has to be done in, and just like everything else in gardening; there are steps that are to be followed.
In spring, everything is vibrant, full of life and excitement; a cool time of year. Tulips are a popular flower this time of year. Summer is hot, sticky and dark orange and vibrant greens are more seasonal for this season. In fall, the leaves change colors, and deep reds, purples and dark greens are mostly seen at this time of year. Colors and feelings are a big part in planning your garden for a season.
It is important to pick colors and a theme before choosing flowers for your landscape. Never choose your theme from flowers you find, but seek colors, and then match flowers to your desired look. Winter is a softer season. Whites, light pinks, light lavenders, blues and yellows are good colors when choosing. Here’s a list of a few good winter flowers:
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Iris - Refers to an entire group, or genus, of showy, petal flowers. Its name comes from the Latin word referring to a “rainbow”. The different species of Iris are very colorful and beautiful, having different shapes, shades, and smells. The iris species best for your winter landscape would be the white iris, or, the bearded iris.
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Belladonna Lily - A bulb plant 30-50 cm long and 2-3 cm broad having a light pink to whitish color with dull green leaves. It also called the naked ladies because of their “naked” stem. Belongs to the genus, Amaryllis.
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Snowdrops - The snowdrop is among the first bulbs to bloom in the mid winter to early spring. They grow to be around 15 cm tall and have 6 petals. Also, the Giant Snowdrop would be great for this use and is 23 cm tall, larger petals.
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Crocus Tomasinianus - Beautiful light lavender and white bulb blooming in the late winter to early spring. A species of the genus crocus, this flower will add a beautiful touch to your landscape and garden.
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Winter Jasmine - With a very strong, sweet scent, this species is light yellow in color and will make a beautiful addition, contrasting with light pink and blue.
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Viburnum - A pretty white flowered shrub, dark green leaves with red clustered berries. This shrub is perfect for the contrasting colors you want in your garden. Definitely will add the final touches for a warm, winter feeling.
Remember that flowers are not all there is to landscaping. A few good ideas to spice up your landscape are: Evergreens, a few bare trees that have lost their leaves (not too many, or it will take away from your appearance); holly bushes are gorgeous with their contrasting red berries and really add to the winter look, too. Also, white arrayed rocks can add a sparkly touch.
Of course with Christmas coming, lights are a must have to touch up your yard. Not too many though, or they’ll take away from your flowers and such. For a long term look, gazebos are beautiful in all seasons.
So, as you begin creating your winter landscape, keep this in mind: Take your time and Plan. Before you start getting your flowers, bulbs, or rocks, make sure you have a theme. Once you have a theme, create it on a paper, draw a diagram of what you want your landscape to look like. Even create a virtual image of it. Don’t be afraid to put effort and imagination in to your planning!
Another important thing to remember as you plans your colors and pick out trees. Look for those that are native, and maybe already on your property. It’s good to use what you’ve already got.
Be creative! Creativity is one of the best and most important things you can have when building a beautiful portrait of scenery.
Be original! Originality is important. Get ideas from others, but don’t copy. Combining ideas and views can be a great way to make your own statement for others to enjoy!
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