Winter Landscapes
Winter doesn’t have to be the season when outdoor spaces are abandoned until spring. With the right mix of plants, design, and seasonal accents, your winter landscapes can remain welcoming, functional, and even festive during the coldest months.
Add Warmth with Structure and Lighting
Garden Structures: Arbors, trellises, benches, and stone walls stand out more when leaves are gone. Highlighting them with evergreens adds balance and focus.
Outdoor Lighting: Soft, low-voltage lighting along paths or uplighting evergreens brings warmth and dimension to long winter nights.
Fire Elements: Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces create cozy gathering spots even in cold weather.
Seasonal Containers for Winter Landscapes
Don’t let planters sit empty all winter. Fill them with:
Evergreen boughs (pine, cedar, holly)
Red twig dogwood stems for color
Winterberry branches for festive berries
Pinecones for texture
A few accents can transform a front entrance or patio into a winter focal point.
Plants That Shine in Snow
Certain plants look even better dusted with frost or snow:
Ornamental Grasses – seed heads catch ice crystals beautifully.
Evergreens – hold structure under snow, creating a postcard look.
Birches and Dogwoods – bark and stems stand out dramatically against white backdrops.
Wildlife-Friendly Accents
Invite life into your winter landscapes by adding:
Bird Feeders & Houses: Support overwintering songbirds.
Berry Plants: Winterberry, holly, and crabapple provide natural food.
Water Sources: A heated birdbath prevents ice-over and attracts wildlife.
Practical Comfort Additions
Winter landscapes can be both inviting and functional with thoughtful design choices. Placing sturdy benches near evergreen hedges creates sheltered sitting areas that offer protection from cold winds while still allowing enjoyment of the season. Adding windbreak plantings such as Thuja ‘Green Giant’ or holly around patios helps block harsh winter gusts and adds year-round structure to the landscape. Incorporating hardscapes like stone paths or pavers ensures safe, clear access when grass is dormant, making outdoor spaces usable and visually appealing even in the colder months.