Winter Gardens
Even though winter is the part of the year when we spend
most of our time indoors, gardens are still part of our life.
Therefore, they should be designed to show their beauty even
in this time of the year.
There are specific factors to consider. One is light that
changes from season to season. Another is co lour and texture
that become more noticeable in winter months. In addition,
any structures add character to the winter garden. A composition
that considers all the above-mentioned aspects will give us
desirable effects.
Although our gardens are always changing with
the seasons, the most dramatic change comes when trees lose
their leaves. This alters the whole proportion of the garden.
For instance, a closed-in yard feels more spacious because
more light can come in. When planning where to plant trees
around the house, considering those changes will contribute
to good light conditions inside. Planting conifers will provide
privacy all year long. On the other hand, deciduous trees
and shrubs will shade a house in the summer and allow sun
to enter in the winter. By considering these aspects, the
house will benefit and become more connected with the outside.
Since our days are shorter in the winter, adding outside lights
to our landscape will extend our enjoyment of our gardens.
Looking out through the patio door into a lit up back yard
will add another proportion to our living space.
Winter coloring is more on the gray side in comparison with
juicy green spring, flowering summer and yellow or red fall.
Here are some tips to add co lour to the garden in the winter.
Using conifers and evergreen incorporated with other plants
gives landscape greenery and an unchanging structure. Some
plants stand out because of their colorful bark. A good example
is Salix alba for large trees and Cornus stolonifera with
its red twigs and Cornus alba "Bud's Yellow with its
yellow twigs. Some plants, such as ornamental grasses, have
a very attractive texture even in the winter. The dried up
flowers of some plants add an accent to gardens. A good example
is Hydrangea or Upatorium.
Our focal points might change with the seasons. For example,
a stairway that is overgrown through most of the seasons might
become a focal point in the winter. Therefore, when placing
pathways, stairs, retaining walls, ornaments and statues,
imagine their roles in the winter.
When analyzing your winter landscape, keep light in your
house and outside, and colors, textures, structures and ornaments
in mind. Our garden should be an extension of our living space
through all the seasons.
Viktorie Hladik
Horticulturist
Landscape Designer
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