5 Landscaping Ideas for Winter

Landscaping might not be top of mind once the temperatures drop, but winter still offers plenty of opportunities to keep outdoor spaces inviting. Here are five landscaping ideas for the colder months, from Lawnstarter. 

1. Create Structure With Evergreens 

Evergreens bring a fresh green color when everything else is monochromatic. They can be layered to create more structure and dimension. Lawnstarter recommends these tips: 

• Anchor the background with tall conifers like pine, spruce or upright juniper. 
• Fill the middle layer with mid-sized shrubs, such as boxwood, yews and hollies. 
• Carpet the front with ground covers like creeping juniper or evergreen sedges. 

2. Add Winter-Blooming Plants 

Create more color by adding flowers that bloom through the snow. Try witch hazel, which blooms from October to March and has spidery yellow petals, or hellebores, whose blooms begin in December.  

3. Leave Seed Heads and Dried Flowers 

Instead of cutting back dead plants, consider letting them stand through the winter. Dead flower heads can still offer visual interest and provide a “dried flower” look, and ornamental grasses show off a decorative silhouette throughout the cold months. 

When these plants frost over, it can create a magical, wintery look. 

4. Choose Warm-Toned Barks 

Trees with warm-toned bark can create an eye-catching contrast with cool-toned green plants while adding a hint of warmth against a dull winter backdrop. Lawnstarter recommends the paperbark maple – a tree that grows 20-30 feet and has a warm brown-colored bark. 

5. Consider Functional Hardscape Elements 

Adding hardscaping elements is a great way to add aesthetic appeal while creating function. This can be especially nice during the winter, when spending time outside isn’t always quite as enjoyable.  

Heated elements – like a firepit or outdoor heater – make spending time outdoors more enjoyable while adding a cozy feel. Other ideas include benches, pergolas and pathways.