Easy Landscaping Ideas for Winter

Winter is a beautiful time of year. The air is crisp and clean, and in many places a thick, supple layer of glistening snow coats the ground. Nature tends to take landscaping into its own hands during the winter, often covering bushes and trees in a sparkling sheet of ice, and swirling pretty white snowflakes in the background of it all. There are many ways that you can influence your winter landscaping, despite whatever nature may throw your way. If you are looking to add a little color to the white and gray, you may want to consider planting a holly bush. These bushes have dark green leaves, contrasting with bright red berries that maintain their color all year round. You can also preen them to make wreaths, or cut small branches to display around your house. The inkberry holly bush has the same green leaves but is accented by black berries, an interesting mix to toss into your winter gardening collection.

If it’s texture you’re hoping for, think about adding some plume grass to your garden. This straight, sharp grass can grow to be quite tall if you let it, and it has bushy cream-colored plumes that come out at the top. Another great plant for adding texture is the paper birch. Although these trees lose their leaves in the winter, their bark has a unique and beautiful texture that can be most appreciated when not disguised by leaves.

Young’s weeping birch is a smaller option than the paper birch, growing only to a height of about eight feet. While its bark is not quite as appealing, the weeping birch has a silhouette that is nothing short of stunning-with thin branches that cascade in layers to the ground, it is a natural work of art more captivating than any statue.

The yew tree is another great choice for winter gardening. It is the European’s equivalent of our pine tree, used frequently for Christmas parties and gatherings. No need to decorate this tree, though; it has pretty red berries already growing on the boughs. Another less common selection is bamboo. Although it may be more often associated with tropics and warm temperatures, it does very well in extreme cold, and maintains its color year-round.

Of course you can always add inanimate decorations to your garden, as well. Rocks tend to stand out nicely in snow, and are great for lining the edges of your garden. You may also wish to place a birdhouse outside. It probably won’t be occupied until the spring, but it still looks quaint and artistic when used simply as dÃ?©cor. Garden figurines can be great for winter landscaping, but use them sparingly to avoid over-cluttering and distracting from the clean beauty of nature itself.

If you are planning on doing any winter entertainment on your deck or patio, you will want to consider the use of simple Christmas lights as decorations. These can be strung neatly around your house and patio, or hung throughout your bushes and trees. A brass fire pit is also a great addition to your deck-it’s very simple to use, and relatively inexpensive.

Whether you choose to create your winter landscape through plants, inanimate decorations, or a combination of both, remember that the most important thing is to create an environment that you and your guests will feel comfortable in. A dash of color and personal touch can generate a feeling that makes even the coldest winter seem just a little more…cozy.