The Winter Season

Jan 19

"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness."
John Steinbeck

Hello Garden Friends!

I hope you are enjoying these brisk, sunny winter days, here in the Pacific Northwest. We have a lot of cloudy days, so sunshine always makes me happy🌞! I’m hoping for a mild winter, but February usually brings us snow down to the lower levels. Check out my 10 Winter Landscaping Tips:

Winter is the best time to take inventory of your evergreens. Evaluate any areas lacking structure, and consider adding these winter-flowering evergreen plants: Hellebore, Bergenia, Daphne, Pyracantha and Witch Hazel. All of these plants really showcase their beauty during the winter season.
Although perennials may be cut down and dormant this time of year, that doesn’t mean there has to be empty spaces in the garden. Decorative obelisks can stand alone or serve as the perfect structure for vining plants. Iron cloches are both ornamental and protective, keeping emerging plants safe from rabbits or deer. Sculptural peony supports come in a variety of styles, holding their place in winter while protecting budding plants from being stepped on during regular maintenance.
The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to rain, and a torrential downpour can lead to pooling water and flooding in undesirable areas, jeopardizing your hardscapes and plants. This is an excellent time to assess drainage issues and consider managing rainwater on your property by installing a rain garden, dry creek bed, or drainage piping system.
An essential part of winter landscaping is applying mulch or compost. During the fall, harsh rains and winds can disturb the soil, leaving your garden looking unsightly and putting plants at risk. Adding a 2-3 inch layer of fine leaf compost or another type of mulch, provides insulation for plant roots against cold temperatures, improves drainage and water retention, reduces soil erosion, covers pesky irrigation lines, and gives your landscape a fresh, tidy appearance.
With shorter and darker days, coming home to a warmly lit landscape can make your outdoor space feel alive rather than dormant. Installing path and step lights creates a welcoming entry on winter nights and increases visibility to keep you safer. Up-lights can highlight the branching structure of bare trees, while overhead string lights create a lively atmosphere.
A landscape should feel like an extension of your home. Creating warm and cozy outdoor spaces expands your living area, even during the colder months. Gather around a fire pit, relax under a covered pergola, and continue your favorite outdoor pastimes with standing or overhead patio heaters.
While much of your garden may be "resting" in winter, positioning pots and container arrangements near doors, entryways, or in view of key windows adds a lovely display for you to enjoy up close. Most nurseries offer winter-hardy annuals for you to plant or pre-made arrangements for purchase.
Winter is also a great time to think about replacing your fence. With many plants and trees bare of leaves and perennials resting underground, this season provides the best access to hard-to-reach corners of your garden, making it easier to replace fencing without disturbing your prized flowers.
Now is also the perfect opportunity to hunker down indoors and take care of your garden tools. Cleaning tools, removing rust, and sharpening pruners and shovels can prolong the life of your gardening equipment and ensure you're ready to start gardening when the weather breaks.
And, one of the best things you can do over the winter is start designing your landscape! Organizing your ideas, preparing a budget, and selecting your favorite plants puts you one step ahead for a spring installation, allowing you to enjoy your new landscape through all the upcoming seasons!