In winter the garden usually remains dormant. In the spring and summer we work hard to get lots of produce and lots of colorful flowers, but as the plants and flowers die and the leaves fall from the trees, our gardens start to sleep and become a little sad.
To survive in our gardens, gardeners rely primarily on the following five proven trends. However, some designers think they went a little too far. We spoke to experts to find out why and, more importantly, what you should try to create a winter wonderland worthy of your garden.
1. Misuse of red dogwood branches
Red twig dogwood is the ideal choice for garden designers to add a festive, Christmas atmosphere to your winter garden. The plant's distinctive red leaves fall off, leaving bare, bright red stems. The pretty red stem heads make this shrub one of the most beautiful winter plants, adding a fiery look and much-needed color to an often dreary and colorless garden. The problem with this particular plant is that it is often overused and can appear small.
“It's a bit awkward to use red dogwood stems - it's a very unusual trend in the winter garden,” says landscape designer Kat Aul Chervoni. “I love the look of redtwig dogwoods any time of year. When planted in small groups/masses in the landscape they provide very vibrant color in winter. However, I feel like they can look a little lopsided in the winter when planted. There are too many plants in the area,” he says.
Remember that they are also very aggressive. “Often they are planted without thinking about space requirements or winter landscape management,” says Tony O'Neill, owner of Simpleleaf Gardens. If a redtwig dogwood is truly out of control, it's time to cut the branches back to the ground.
Reduce the number of red dogwood branches and make room for other cool-season plants to add color to your winter garden. Holly and rowan are cheerful plants with lots of colorful berries that create a Christmas palette against a backdrop of green leaves - a great way to add beauty to your garden in winter.
2. Too much difficulty
Your conservatory needs to do more to maintain its beauty. As plants die and leaves fall, your garden will become dull and boring, without a solid structure to provide support and structure. “Be careful when landscaping,” says Zahid Adnan of The Plant Bible. “While plants are important, a conservatory can be boring without elements such as paths, seating or focal points. Balance is the key to success. » Landscaping with stones in your garden can create sculpture, interest and even encourage biodiversity.
“But don’t overdo it,” warns Tony. “Designers sometimes rely too much on stone and texture. While these elements are important, they should not overshadow the living aspects of the garden.”
3. They flood the courtyard with light.
Garden lighting is particularly important in the summer months when you can sit back and enjoy the pleasant weather. But on dark nights and early mornings, modern garden lighting is more reliable, with powerful floodlights illuminating courtyards, gardens and walkways so guests can find their way safely.
It's tempting to use too much bright light, but the lack of leaves on the trees creates a stark, striking contrast where you can't see the darkness of the trees and plants. Soft light is therefore the best choice. “While lighting is important in the early evening, bright, even light can eliminate the feeling of shadows and depth in the garden. We recommend varied, subtle lighting to highlight the natural shape of the garden,” explains Tony.
There's also the option to make the lights fun and festive - another aspect of lighting that ends up being overwhelming. Create a gentle, calm and discreet atmosphere to make your garden more inviting.
4. Use ornamental cabbage
Ornamental kale and ornamental kale are beautiful in small quantities and can resemble fall and summer crops, but as we enter the winter months, the ornamental kale varieties will be depleted, Kat points out.
“I really like to use it in moderation, but sometimes I think gardeners are a little careless with cabbage and ornamental kale,” he said. “I see this happening a lot in commercial areas, but residential parks are no exception.
"But when lots of them are combined with other cool-season plants, I think they can add a nice splash of color and interest late in the season - especially in containers, be careful not to suddenly create a huge bed of ornamental cabbage."
Kale can be combined with purples, pinks and whites among the greens, but avoid this color palette. “Bright colors are fun, but can take away from the subtle charm of a conservatory palette,” says Tony.
5. Planting is only done in the summer months.
After all, your garden often loses its shape and size in winter, and summer plantings attract more attention than winter reflections.
Not to overdo it, but to keep it simple, you need to keep a garden diary and think about winter. “When the garden is ready for the season, it's a good time to reflect on what's going well and what's not, setting priorities for the new year, or (my biggest guilty pleasure) thinking about what seeds have started. “It’s so late in the season,” says Hayden Regina, designer at Hoerr Schaudt. “It’s a good time to reflect on your progress this season and your goals as the garden grows and matures.”
In late autumn, leaves fall, fruit and vegetable gardens are barren and trees and plants are unprotected. Together your garden will look rough and forbidding. “Ignoring the importance of leaf structure can result in an unsightly winter garden. Mix leaves of different shapes and sizes to create contrast and intrigue,” says Zahid.
“Annual flowers can provide bright color, but relying on them too much can make your winter landscape look barren,” Toni added.
If you're looking for beautiful, glossy foliage or plants that will last all winter, plant your garden with castor bean seeds or colorful pansies. Snowdrops are among the first flowers to bloom, and in late winter they begin to break through the frost and form snow. Winter heather exudes a subtle purple color reminiscent of Scottish moors.
“A hellebore-like plant called Christmas rose blooms beautifully in winter,” says Tony. “They are maintenance-free and available in a variety of colors.”
Green is the basis of every winter garden. “It’s the foundation of all conservation,” Tony said. “Species such as holly, bright red berries and elegant pines add color and life to the darkest winter days.
The 3 best plants for the winter garden
Pansy flower seeds
Price: $9.99
Quantity : 2000 seeds.
A type of bare root plant
Price: $28.99.
Number 10
Snowdrop seeds
Price: $19.01.
Quantity : 200 seeds.
