When winter arrives and gardens seem dormant, your outdoor space doesn’t have to look lifeless. With the right plants and design elements, you can create a landscape that offers colour, texture, and beauty—even in the coldest months.

It is also important to remember your gardens are not DEAD – they are dormant. Winter is a tremendous time to help your plants by pruning them, scouting for insect egg masses, and some other “things”. We can explore those topics later.

Why Winter Interest Matters

First of all, many Canadians feel we have 2 seasons – winter and summer. Unfortunately, winter starts in October and ends in May. That gives us 5 months of summer and 7 months of winter. Winter interest is so very important to give us beautiful vistas and views but also sound.

We live, for the most part, in darkness in the winter. Going to our vehicles in the morning, coming home from work, even just taking the trash out, we do that in darkness for what seems like FOREVER! Choosing plants that give sounds when the winter breeze brushes them also give us enjoyment.

A four-season landscape adds value and enjoyment to your property. Winter interest provides:

• Colour and Contrast: Bright berries, evergreen foliage, and colourful stems pop against snow.

Plants exhibit their colours in may ways in the winter. One of my favourite trees is Carya cordiformis – Bitternut Hickory. It has sulfur yellow buds (hence one of its synonyms – Yellowbud Hickory) and glows golden in the right winter sun.

• Structure and Texture: Bare branches, textured bark, and ornamental grasses create visual drama.

There is a tree called Ulmus thomasii – Rock Elm – has wings on the twigs that are very unique. If I had room, this tree would be in my collection. I don’t have a good photo to share…….

• Wildlife Habitat: Winter plants offer food and shelter for birds and pollinators.

I was in our back yard this week (a snowy December week) playing with our dog, Rosie. She ran under a large Taxus cuspidata ‘Aurescens’ – Golden Japanese Yew – and scared a Robin who was sheltering there. The Robin took off and from over my shoulder flew an American Kestrel. I am not sure if the Robin made it but such is the circle of life.

Later in the week, I noticed a group of Juncos sheltering in the yew.

 

Top Plants for Winter Interest

• Evergreens (Spruce, Pine, Boxwood): Year-round greenery for structure and color. Many junipers change to a golden / purplish hue in the winter.
• Red-Twig Dogwood: Vibrant red stems for striking winter contrast. There are many dogwoods that have interesting winter look.

• Birch Trees: White peeling bark adds elegance to snowy landscapes. Acer giseum – Paperbark Maple – is another plant which has amazing winter a-peel (get it?)

• Holly & Winterberry: Glossy leaves and bright berries for festive charm.
• Ornamental Grasses: Golden plumes add movement and texture. Personally, I am not a fan of grasses in the garden but so many of our clients are, I need to change my attitude.

Design Tips for Winter Beauty

• Layer Plantings: Combine trees, evergreens, shrubs, and perennials for depth.
• Add Hardscape Features: Stone walls, garden art, and benches look stunning in snow.
• Use Landscape Lighting: Uplighting trees or illuminating pathways creates a magical winter glow. Casting shadows of plants on the walls of homes and other structures creates another dimension to the winter garden.

Plan Now for Next Winter

If your garden feels bare this season, now is the perfect time to plan for next year’s winter interest. Thoughtful design ensures beauty in every season.

📧 Email: Matt@verdantlandscaping.ca
📞 Call: 905-299-9403

Let’s design a landscape that looks stunning—even in the snow.