As the colder months take hold, many garden-owners shift their focus indoors – maybe browsing gardening magazines or watching makeover programmes on TV! However, by following some key design principles, you can ensure that your garden offers year-round interest – in other words, a lovely space to enjoy in every season, including the winter months. It is entirely possible to create a winter haven that delights your senses and (importantly) also supports local wildlife until the warmer weather re-emerges.
In this blog post, I will outline the design principles that I bear in mind when planning to transform a garden into one with year-round interest.
1 Boost visual appeal in the winter months
Soft landscaping is a key component for visual interest. Evergreens like Osmanthus and Hollies provide colour during wintertime, while ornamental grasses add movement. Incorporating berry-producing shrubs attracts birds seeking food. My personal favourites include Sorbus hupehensis and Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii. Winter light filtering through trees and plants can create a stunning visual effect in the garden. The low angle of winter sunlight creates a tranquil atmosphere. The interplay of light and shadows accentuates the textures of bark, leaves, and grasses, adding depth. Sunlight filtering through branches can create intricate patterns on the ground, bringing an artistic element to the garden’s appearance. Incorporating features that take advantage of this winter light (strategic planting, reflective surfaces or garden paths) can maximize its impact. Additional features like sculptures and attractive seating in sheltered areas will enhance the garden’s visual appeal too.
2. Attract local wildlife
A garden can serve as a sanctuary for local wildlife and this is particularly important in the wintertime. Carefully chosen late nectar plants (e.g. Erysimum ‘Bowles’s mauve’, Lonicera fragrantissima) draw pollinators even in the off-season, while dense shrubs offer shelter for birds. Mounds of woody material create habitats for small mammals and beneficial insects. We recommend adding water features or winter-hardy birdbaths for drinking sources. Bird feeders can also attract diverse bird species, providing excellent viewing opportunities for clients from the comfort of their home! A tidy garden isn’t always wildlife-friendly; leaving seedheads and delaying the cutback of herbaceous plants can create a more inviting scene – after all, frosted shrubs and even cobwebs can look stunning in the winter light.
3. Prioritize the environment
Soft landscaping is not just aesthetically pleasing, it benefits the environment by improving air quality, boosting biodiversity, and reducing noise pollution. When planning a planting scheme for year-round interest, choose well-adapted plants for the specific site conditions to promote sustainability. This approach minimizes maintenance needs and reduces reliance on fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring ongoing beauty. The right plants improve soil structure, prevent erosion, and enhance nutrient cycling. Their root systems also promote water retention and reduce runoff.
4. Illuminate for impact
Garden lighting can transform outdoor spaces into magical retreats during winter. Using soft, warm LED lights highlights pathways, emphasizes key plants, and creates inviting relaxation areas. Thoughtful lighting enhances a garden’s aesthetics and helps to ensure safety and accessibility too. We prioritize responsible installation to avoid light pollution, ensuring that illumination falls only where needed. Timers can help limit lighting duration after dusk to protect wildlife. The RHS provides detailed advice on garden lighting here.
5. Create cosy gathering spots
Adding a fire pit enhances the winter garden experience, providing warmth and a focal point for gatherings. Whether clients choose a permanent stone structure or a portable fire bowl, a fire pit invites family and friends to enjoy evenings together outdoors. Surrounding the fire pit with comfortable seating fosters a cosy atmosphere. Selecting a sheltered spot, using natural barriers like trees or shrubs, and choosing durable materials such as steel or stone all ensure longevity against harsh weather.
If you are considering a garden transformation this year, then by bearing these points in mind you can create a stunning garden that fosters biodiversity, supports wildlife and thrives in every season. Celebrating the beauty of winter is a treat not to be missed.
The images shown are all from a residential garden in Bedfordshire designed by James Scott and built by The Garden Company. You can find the full case study here.