The Winter Garden; Plan Now For Next Winter

This article was written for me by the manager of Stadler Nurseries in Maryland and Virginia. She will be writing a monthly column here on SimplyForties and I couldn't be happier!

You have given the garden one last clean-up before you hang up your gloves and spade for the winter. Now, as you head inside for the long months of cold, you look over your shoulder and sigh over your dull and boring landscape. But it does not have to be this way. Why not perk up those views from within? A winter interest garden might be just what you need to get you through those long cold days.

Although you will have to wait until spring to plant your garden, it is not too early to start planning for next year. Winter gardening teaches us the value of natural silhouettes, forms, patterns, and light. It is an ideal time to take note of shapes, contrast, and textures. Without the distraction of leaves and flowers, the true shape of trees and shrubs can be appreciated. As you observe your garden now, look for plants that offer peeling (exfoliating) bark, unusual colors, winter flowers and beautiful shapes. Take stock of what you already have. You may have a few prized specimens, which add the characteristics you are looking for. It is a good idea to see plants in late fall and winter before you add them to your landscaping. Take trips to parks, gardens and nurseries so that you can see the plants you are contemplating in their winter form.

For the most enjoyment of your winter interest garden, choose a sight you will see as you come and go and consider the windows you will be looking out of during the winter months. Remember to include in your plan those structures that are no longer hidden by foliage and become obvious in winter. You may not want to look at heat pumps, garbage caddies, and electric meters all winter. Do not plan your garden for areas where heat pumps, dryer vents, and furnace outlets will pump heat and exhaust on your plants. Warm air and exhaust on cold plants is a deadly combination.

Winter is a great time to develop the "bones" or permanent architectural structures for your garden. Consider the placement of sidewalks, walls, fences, and arbors. These well-placed structures give the garden a thoroughly thought-out, permanent, professional look. Walkways will beckon you to travel through the garden; walls and fences will set visual boundaries and can be the true spine of a garden. Arbors, trellises and benches look stunning with a coating of snow and can enhance a winter garden beautifully.

As you plan your winter interest garden, remember this design theory: If you design a garden for winter, the rest of the year will take care of itself. With this in mind, remember that some of the best winter characteristics of some plants are hidden during the rest of the year. Leaves cover unusually colored or exfoliating bark in spring and summer as well as hide and soften strong horizontal, vertical and angular lines. Evergreens that usually fade into the background when competing with all the bright colors of summer will move to the fore now that winter is here. Are they placed to best show their beauty?

Neatness in a winter garden is essential. In summer, plants spill onto walkways and soften patio edges. Small weeds go unnoticed in summer's wealth. But in a winter garden everything shows. This includes piles of leaves, branches, or even the smallest amount of litter. The winter interest garden must be cleared of all this debris to avoid looking untidy.

The beauty of a winter garden is more subtle than the flowery exuberance of a summer garden, but with careful planning, will provide you with months of enjoyment and the satisfaction of having a truly year-round garden.


Cheryl lives with her husband and their three cats in a 100-year-old house in the beautiful state of Maryland. She has a degree in horticulture from the University of Maryland and has been the manager of Stadler Nurseries in Maryland and Virginia for over 20 years. Become a fan of Stadler Nurseries on Facebook to find out what's going on in the garden world!