Plan for Winter Plantings

Part four in a series

It's hard to think about winter when our gardens are in full bloom and the vegetables are ripening on the vine! But we must keep winter in mind when we are planning our landscape. Afterall, we have to look at our landscape all year long, including winter. (Unless, of course, you are fortunate enough to be able to move to warmer climates in the winter or live in a climate that is tropical all year long!) But for most of us, we have to contend with four seasons and the life cycle of our landscape.

So when you are planning your landscape, keep in mind this life cycle of the plants you choose to add to your landscape design. Some plants, like flowering trees and shrubs look their best in Spring, others reach their full beauty in Summer, others still attain stunning and vibrant color in the Autumn, and yet, some evergreens look beautiful in the Winter, offset by a striking snow-covered landscape.

Add plants to your landscape that offer a variety of looks in different seasons. Don't plan your landscape with plants that all reach their peak of beauty at the same time. For example, a bed of perennials will provide a rainbow of color all summer long, but in the fall and winter, you will have to contend with a big empty space in your landscape. The same holds true for evergreens. While evergreens look beautiful in the winter-white of the colder months, they don't offer much in the summer.

So, try to choose plants for your landscape that have different focal points for different parts of the year. Look for plants that may keep red or orange berries through the winter months, or that keep a beautiful bud head through the winter for a variety of shapes. You can also postpone dead-heading some of your flowering plants until the end of winter so you have some visual interest all winter long.

Just don't be afraid to experiment. Remember, this is your landscape. Use your creativity! And if something you've tried doesn't work, try something else! You can always move a planting somewhere else and try something new.

Dean Novosat is an avid gardener and landscaper. He has transformed many boring yards into beautiful landscapes. He has several websites including http://www.the-garden-doctor.com and

---

Marjoram: The Herb of Happiness

Called the "herb of happiness," Origanum majorana, commonly known as... Read More

Halfway Through Summer - Are We Having Fun Yet

Today is Thursday the 23rd of June and we're almost... Read More

Pruning the Backyard Grapevine

Proper pruning of your backyard grapevines is essential to maintain... Read More

Fall Pond Cleaning

Doing a full pond cleaning during the colder winter months... Read More

Beauty With Indigenous Species

A garden a serves a man's every day need for... Read More

Orchid Care What The Flower Tells

In Orchid Care The Flower Will Tell You About Some... Read More

Backyard Bird--The Catbird

It's quiet now.Gone is the constant chatter, whistles and meowing... Read More

A Kids Tree

During my youth kids were required to pass through a... Read More

Sleeping Beauties: Porches For Dreaming

There's something magical about sleeping outside, drinking in the night... Read More

Theme Gardens

Flower gardens are for enjoyment. They provide you with visual... Read More

Edgeworthia Chrysantha

Although it is a member of the Thymelaeaceae, the family... Read More

Build a Rain Garden

There's a new garden in town. It is (mostly) easy... Read More

How to Grow Sweet Corn

Purchased corn, whether on the cob or in a can... Read More

The Rich History of Wild Roses

Wild roses, of the genus Rosa, are those naturally... Read More

Lawn Care Business Owners - Dont Buy Yourself A Job

Most businesses consist of the owner only or the owner... Read More

What Type of Gazebo is Right for You? Top Questions You Need to Ask

Having a gazebo in the backyard is an excellent way... Read More

High Intensity Discharge Grow Light (Generic)

HID lamps are categorized in three groups :Mercury Vapor ,... Read More

Durable Wooden Swing - Decorate Your Outdoors with One

There is nothing better to do on a hot, lazy... Read More

Compost YES, Epsom Salts NO

You'll often hear garden writers recommending the use of Epsom... Read More

What Is One Flower Benefit That You Know Of?

The biggest flower benefit of all is the fact that... Read More

Who Sells Flower Bulbs?

Flower bulbs offer some of the most distinctive, unusual flowers... Read More

Parsley: A Cooks Best Friend

A cook's best friend, Petroselinum crispum, commonly known as curly... Read More

Mowing the Lawn

This is more of a follow up on my original... Read More

Wooden Garden Furniture

Wooden Garden Furniture can be the ideal solution to various... Read More

How to Grow Apples

The first thing you need to grow apples is a... Read More

You Say Tomato I Say Mosquito

Gathering tomatoes or other fruits of the garden might not... Read More

No Dig Gardens - How to Build One

The no dig garden is exactly what it describes...a fertile... Read More

Lawn Care Information

Recent lawn care information reports that a lot of us... Read More

Butterfly Gardening

Butterfly gardening is not only a joy, it is one... Read More

Teak Planters - Accent Your Outdoor Space with One

Do you want to add something to your outdoor space... Read More

Winterizing Your Pond

For many parts of the country, it's getting to be... Read More

y, Fun Garden Plants

I have a love for funky, fun and unique garden... Read More

How to Install a Liner Pond

Liner ponds are ideal for the experienced water gardener because... Read More