Winter is the season people least anticipate, and they hope it rolls out faster. It is seen as a season where crops and plants die off which is, in fact, a widely believed misconception. Plants do not die in winter, and just like some animals, plants hibernate in winter and blooms again in spring.
Just because it is winter does not mean you should neglect the aesthetics of your surroundings. Proper planning and design for the winter would give you a perfect garden ambience. Although plants lose some of their shine and appeal in winter, some plants retain their fascinating and picturesque imagery when combined in the right way with other plants.
What plants should you grow in your garden?
• Fruit and seed group
Oddly as it seems, fruits and seed plants like; the red succulent crab apples, the hairy Rose mallows, and the fuzzy red sumacs grow during the winter and are edible for animals. Many animals like birds and butterflies find it hard to feed during winter, and will be attracted to your garden. So prepare some nests, and be ready to play host.
• Stem and Bark group
Deciduous trees are significant during winter, as they possess colourful and interesting textures. They help to block excessive winter winds, and ushers in the little sunshine that winter brings. Various examples are the Birch tree with bright white trunks, the Tedsteem dogwood (orange and red twigs) and the strong Russian sage.
• Bright coloured flowers and leaves
Brightly coloured plants like hydrangea, winter aconite and witch hazel are a great idea for winter. These flowers give a perfect radiance to the outlook of your environment, with their bright colour standing in contrast to the gloomy season.
Landscape orders the beauty
Once you've determined the combinations of plants you want to grow in your garden, the next step is to determine the landscape of your garden.
A good landscape should take consideration of the following factors:
• Life Span of the plants
A mix of early bloomers and late hangers will set the outlook of your garden all through winter. The early blooming plants will grow in the initial phase of winter and give your garden the initial winter sparkle. In the later stage, as the bloomers recede into hibernation, the "hanger-on" begins to blossom, setting a perfect ambience all winter.
• The blending of your garden
The style and patterns of the garden plants have to blend in a homogenous way with your surroundings. In quantity, some plants should appear frequently than the others; your garden should be arranged in a way such that the brightly coloured flowers should form the outer base of the garden.
• Light up your garden
Winters are mostly plagued by longer, cold nights, and having a garden lamp to light up some twigs and leaves would give a perfect image at night.
• Support structures
Secondary structures to the garden such as the garden benches, hedges, patios, and pergolas should be arranged for easy access to any area in your garden.
Conclusion
Planting a garden during winter present you with the perfect opportunity to determine the overall layout of your garden and the structure you want your garden to maintain for the whole of the four seasons.
For more information, contact Brian from Leaf Stone Water – professional garden design Sydney.
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