Winter is the most neglected but most impactful season of a garden. With well-chosen evergreens and species with high winter interest, a lively and orderly garden is possible even in the leafless months.
Evergreens that form the backbone
Species such as boxwood, cherry laurel, privet, mahonia and juniper stay green in winter and preserve the form and boundaries of the garden. These plants keep the garden's "skeleton" standing among bare trees.
Details that create winter interest
It is possible to create winter interest beyond green:
- Species that bear fruit in winter, such as firethorn and dogwood
- Trees with interesting bark texture (birch, maple)
- Ornamental grasses that offer form and colour
- Early-blooming species (snowdrop, hellebore)
Composition
The way to strengthen the winter effect is to use evergreens in groups and together with different leaf textures rather than scattering them one by one. This gives the garden depth even in its plainest season.