Secrets to a Lively and Colorful Winter Garden

Written By Darcy Loewen

As we head toward winter, our gardens may slow down, but there's still work to be done and scenes to enjoy. With that in mind, this month we'll take a look at the beauty and versatility of holly plants, explore evergreen shrubs that add year-round interest, learn about essential winter care tips for hydrangeas and get easy to-do lists for cold and warm climates. Then, to wrap it all up, treat yourself to the magic of the season with holiday lights at local botanic gardens. 

 

Winter Garden Star: Holly

Elevate your garden's winter charm with holly plants! Whether you love evergreen leaves or colorful berries, hollies can make your garden stunning all year. Learn how to choose the best holly for your area (Zones 3-10) and get inspired by Castle Spire® blue holly, Gem Box® inkberry holly (a great boxwood alternative), and Berry Poppins® winterberry holly (all pictured). Photos by: Proven Winners.

 

Evergreen Shrubs to Carry the Garden Through

Is your garden starting to look a little sparse now that summer blooms have faded and autumn leaves have fallen? Creating a garden with year-round interest is top of the list for many gardeners, and one way to do that is to incorporate plenty of evergreen plants. Here are 15 of our favorite evergreen shrubs that will help carry your garden through the slower months. Pictured: Fluffy® Western Arborvitae (Thuja plicata) from Proven Winners.

 

Healing Garden Through the Seasons

While many of us discovered the healing effects of gardens and gardening over the past few years, homeowner Sue Ingraham has known it for quite awhile. When she was faced with the challenge of helping her husband recover at home, she decided to create a beautiful garden for him to recover in. Take a season-by-season stroll with us through this garden and discover the life lessons that came along with it. 

 

Winter Care for Hydrangeas

Get your hydrangeas ready for winter with our essential guide! Find out if your hydrangeas require protection or not based on their type and your climate. Get easy-to-follow tips on insulation, mulching, and proper hydration. Ensure your plants thrive next spring by following these simple winter care steps. 

 

Cold Climate Winter To-Do's

Don't leave your garden out in the cold. There's still a lot you can do during winter to make sure you and your garden are ready when spring arrives.

 

Warm Climate Winter To-Do's

Warm-climate gardens may slow down, but they don't ever really stop. Here are ways to keep your garden at its best through the slower “winter” months.

 

Holiday Lights in the Garden

Photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum

Trade your gardening gloves and sun hat for a pair of mittens and a beanie and head to your local botanic garden this month. Walk through dazzling light displays, enjoy festive decorations on trees, and breathe in the scent of evergreens. It's a unique chance to experience nature in a new light and soak in the holiday spirit. Don't miss out on this festive blend of nature and cheer! Here are just few of the many events happening at botanic gardens around the country & the UK:

Don't see one near you? Search online for "botanic gardens near me" to see what's happening in your neck of the woods this season. 

This content is brought to you by Weaver's Landscape Company in partnership with GardenDesign.com! We hope you, our existing & prospective clients, find this content useful & inspiring.

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Darcy Loewen
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Create Beautiful Winter Gardens: Inside & Out