How to create a welcoming garden this winter
Although it may feel too soon to be thinking about your garden in the winter, you can never be too prepared.
Being a good gardener revolves around thinking ahead. After all, many plants are seasonal and take a while to bloom. As well as this, it’s helpful to gather any furniture or equipment in advance, so you have it ready for when the new season rolls around.
Here’s how you can create an inviting and pleasant outdoor space for the wintertime (by getting a head start in the summer).
Choose the right plants
Having a garden that flourishes all year round means being strategic when planting. Identify the right varieties first of all – popular winter-flowering plants in the UK include pansies, snowdrops and honeysuckle. You could also mix it up with colourful shrubs, such as heather and daphnes. If you’re looking for low-maintenance varieties, go for cyclamen, primroses or peonies.
For a unique addition to your garden, consider amaranth. This versatile plant thrives in both warm and cooler climates, adding vibrant colors and textures to your garden throughout the growing season. Amaranth seed is known for its resilience and adaptability, making it a great choice for continuous interest and beauty. They can be grown for their stunning foliage, ornamental flowers, or even their edible seeds. By incorporating amaranth into your garden, you can enjoy its striking appearance and varied uses, ensuring a dynamic and flourishing space all year long.
Make sure you brush up on how to garden in the winter so you’re prepared for the next steps.
Create comfortable seating areas
Having a seating area you can enjoy at all times means you can capture those valuable moments of winter sun – even if it means you’re wearing a coat. Remember, it’s important to get as much vitamin D as you can at this time of year.
Choose comfortable outdoor furniture that can withstand harsh conditions. Flimsy, lightweight furniture could become damaged by strong winds, so consider something more durable.
Sitting outside with friends and a warm drink around a firepit is a staple for some households. Many people store cushions and throws ready for social gatherings so that everyone is comfortable. You could even lay out an outdoor rug if it’s dry outside.
Incorporate decorative elements
Decorative elements like lanterns can create a great focal point and help to section off your seating zone. Fairy lights are another good option to make a cosy feel outdoors, which is key if you’re entertaining guests outside when it’s colder. Choose soft, warm lighting where possible.
Ornaments are a great way of adding your own unique touches. They’re ideal for filling empty spaces and complementing foliage.
Maintain your garden
Keeping the area in top condition requires a slightly different approach throughout the year. In summer, the focus is often looking after plants in extreme heat and shielding certain varieties from direct sunlight.
Meanwhile, winter gardening involves protecting fragile flowers from frost and pruning bushes and shrubs. If you have one, it’s also a good time to clean out your greenhouse ready for spring. Make sure you stay on top of regular maintenance, such as weeding and watering, just as you would in the summer.
Those keen to integrate eco-friendly practices can turn old plants into compost for spring and collect rainwater, which can then be used for watering.
