Gardeners usually dread the chilly weather as it approaches to take away the beauty of colorful flowers. However, professionals know that even the colder days of the year provide us with gorgeous plants that can keep our gardens vibrant.
A beautiful garden significantly increases the value of your property, it brings joy to homeowners and creates an immaculate atmosphere. The cold winter days will not destroy your flowers, but slow the growth process. Your plants will adjust to the changes in weather. The main objective is to maintain the beauty of your garden through the winter months.
Continue to Plant
Plant in your garden as long as the ground is soft enough to dig. One of the keys to a vibrant winter garden is choosing plants that thrive in colder temperatures. Consider evergreen varieties like holly, spruce, and juniper, which maintain their lush foliage throughout the winter. Additionally, ornamental grasses such as fountain grass and feather reed grass can add texture and interest to your garden even when covered in snow.
Plants that bloom in winter
Here is a list of only some of the beautiful flowers you can plant to make your garden colorful even in snowy winter:
- English Primrose
- Winter Jasmine
- Hellebore
- Winter Aconite
- Camellia
- Crocus
- Reticulated Iris
- Winter Heath
- Snowdrops
- Pansy
- Viola
These flowers will allow your garden to stay lively and vibrant all throughout winter. You can embrace your hobby and continue gardening even as the colder days approach!
Mulch for Protection
Applying a layer of mulch around your plants helps to insulate the soil, protecting the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. Mulch also prevents soil erosion and suppresses the growth of weeds. Organic mulches like straw or shredded leaves not only provide insulation but also break down over time, enriching the soil with essential nutrients.
Winter Pruning
Winter is an excellent time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs, as they are dormant and less susceptible to stress. Remove dead or diseased branches to encourage healthy growth in the spring. Pruning also shapes the plant, enhancing its overall appearance. Be sure to research proper pruning techniques for each specific plant type, as over-pruning can harm the plant.
Protecting Container Plants
If you have potted plants, move them to sheltered areas like a porch or garage to shield them from harsh winter winds. Alternatively, wrap the containers with bubble wrap or burlap to provide an extra layer of insulation. Remember to water your container plants regularly, as they can dry out more quickly in winter winds. Bring houseplants inside and make sure they get the sunlight they need during the winter days in the house.
Watering
Although plants may not be actively growing during winter, they still need water. Evergreen plants, in particular, can suffer from dehydration due to the drying effects of winter winds. Water your plants on warmer days when the ground isn’t frozen to ensure they receive the moisture they need. Be cautious not to overwater, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.
Create Winter Interest with Bark and Berries
When flowers are scarce, focus on plants with interesting bark and berries to add visual appeal to your winter garden. Look for trees with colorful or textured bark, such as the paperbark maple or the coral bark Japanese maple. Berries from plants like winterberry and viburnum not only provide a pop of color but also serve as a valuable food source for birds.
Winter Vegetable Gardening
Not only can you plant and grow vibrant winter flowers during winter, but you can also keep your vegetable garden alive. Hardy varieties like kale, Brussels sprouts, and winter lettuce can withstand cold temperatures. Consider using cold frames or row covers to provide additional protection for your winter vegetable garden. This not only extends your harvest season but also ensures a fresh supply of homegrown produce.
Winter gardening will allow you to enjoy cold days while successfully keeping your garden fresh. Moreover, you will be able to keep your property value at its highest, whether you plan to sell your house or use it as a rental property and maximize your income. Although the cold days of the year may be scary to gardeners, there are multiple ways in which you can preserve your plants and continue embracing your hobby or business.
Photo Credit: Red roses covered with frost.