Here’s how to spruce up your winter garden.
While the blooms of summer have faded, there’s so much beauty to be found in the colder months. From striking silhouettes to pops of color, keep your winter garden vibrant even when the temperatures drop.
Jessica Berrett, Horticulture Manager at the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, shared why your winter garden can and should still be a priority on your to-do list this month.
Observing and Planning
Jessica emphasized the importance of observation during the winter months. “If you’re visiting people for the holidays, or if you’re driving around looking at lights, if you see something that looks great and that you love, take a note of it,” Jessica suggested.
By observing landscapes during the holidays or while driving around, you can gather ideas for your own garden. This is the perfect time to take note of textures and elements that appeal to you. “Your landscape should reflect what you like,” Jessica said.
Trees in Winter
Winter trees can be more than just bare branches. Jessica suggested looking beyond the popular red maples. “Other fall color trees are ginkgos, zelkovas… and if you really want a red colored maple, look for one that has sunset in the name,” she advised. “A lot of red maples actually don’t do that well here in our soils.”
Also consider the visual interest of branches. “There are different shrubs that have really cool red twigs,” Jessica explained. Red twig dogwood and curly willow are pretty even without leaves.
Ornamental Berries
When flowers are scarce, ornamental berries can add color to your garden. Jessica mentioned, “Orange berries from a pyracantha… crab apples… blue junipers with little blue berries, and snowberry with white berries.”
Evergreens and Shrubs
Evergreens are a staple for winter gardens, with lots of shapes and colors. Jessica loves the dusty blues and greens. “These don’t stand out as much in the summer, but in the winter they really pop against the snow,” she explained.
Shrubs like Ninebark and Barberry bushes also provide beautiful fall colors and interesting textures. “Ninebark shrubs… come in a lot of different colors and have interesting bark in the wintertime,” Jessica said.
Grasses and Seed Heads
Grasses can add texture and movement to your winter garden. Jessica encouraged leaving attractive seed heads through the winter. “If your seeds of your grasses or your other plants are attractive, I encourage you to leave them through the winter so that they can give you that extra interest in your yard,” she recommended. Seed head means the plant has it’s seeds at the top. These also provide food for birds during the winter.
When it comes to which grasses and seed heads to leave, Jessica goes for a hybrid approach. “If it’s not attractive and there’s nothing special about it, go ahead and cut it down,” she said. “But, if you see something beautiful that stands out… if you like it, leave it.”
Find more gardening advice from Jessica on Instagram, @plant.geek.
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