Most of us enjoy spending time outside in the warm, bright summer months, but it’s more difficult to make the most of our gardens in the winter. One of the main problems is that it’s harder to maintain outdoor spaces when it’s cold. If you’re hoping to use your yard and garden more this winter and ensure it looks great all year round, this guide is packed with helpful hacks.
Minimize maintenance
It’s understandable to be more inclined to invest time and energy into garden maintenance when it’s sunny outside. During the cooler months, when it goes dark early and it’s gray and rainy, it’s harder to find the motivation to tend to your backyard. If you neglect your garden during the fall and winter, look for ways to minimize maintenance.
There are many ways you can take the stress out of looking after external areas when temperatures drop. One popular option is to replace the lawn with artificial grass, but if this doesn’t appeal to you, there are alternatives. Taking advantage of innovative technology and tools is one of the best options. With robot lawn mowers and tools such as a weed eater, it’s easier than ever to stay on top of lawn care. Weed eaters are ideal for small, awkward patches of grass, which are difficult to reach with the lawn mower. They’re simple to operate and they’ll do the job much faster than manual trimming. Another route you could explore is reducing the size of your lawn and using other materials to create different zones. If you want to keep the grass, you could replace some of your lawn with decking, gravel, paving, or xeriscaping with native plants that require little to no water or special care to reduce maintenance and increase versatility. You may want to design a new seating area or a covered deck or patio, for example. Using planters and containers is also less labor-intensive than tending to multiple flower beds.
Add plants that can survive the winter
Most of us know how to make our yards look fabulous in the spring and summer when colorful flowers burst into life, but how do you make your backyard more attractive in the winter? If your yard is usually lifeless in the colder months, there are ways to enhance aesthetic appeal and create a more vibrant space. One option is to add plants that can survive the winter. Examples include hardy shrubs, which are used to cold conditions, like heather, snowdrops, pansies and hellebores. You can also use potted trees to breathe life into a sad-looking winter garden. The best examples for winter include Japanese maple trees and dwarf pines.
Add a water feature
Water features come in all shapes and sizes. They are a brilliant way to add a focal point to any garden and create interest at any time of year. You can choose from a vast range of styles and designs to suit your tastes and the theme and vibe of your outdoor space. From chic, contemporary glass-brick water features to classic or ornate statues, there’s something for everyone. Water features don’t just look wonderful. They can also have a soothing effect. If you’re looking to create an outdoor oasis, which induces calm and relaxation, adding a water feature is a fantastic idea. Before you buy, think about the size of your yard, the trends you like most and your budget. It’s beneficial to visit garden stores and browse online to get ideas and compare prices. You can also take inspiration from yards and gardens you’ve visited, seen on TV or social media or circled in magazines.
Keep on top of tidying
Changes in the weather make it more difficult to keep our yards neat and tidy. During the fall, it’s common for trees to lose their leaves. You may find that your gutters get clogged and your lawn, patios and paths are covered in blankets of golden, red and orange leaves. When winter arrives, strong winds, rain and freezing temperatures can result in a build-up of dirt and debris. The best way to minimize maintenance and keep your garden looking smart is to stay on top of tidying. Try to get out into your garden every week or month and clear up leaves, brush or pressure wash surfaces and get rid of weeds. If you’re short on time and you have a busy schedule, you could also look into local garden maintenance or handyman services.
Inject color with accessories, paint and furniture
Planting flowers is not the only way to bring color to your yard. Adding color with accessories, paint and outdoor furniture can enhance appeal even on the darkest, wettest winter day. Choose accessories that suit the style of your garden and create a cohesive colorway that complements your taste. You might want to go all-out and design a rainbow-inspired backyard, or you might prefer a more subtle palette. You can use all kinds of details and touches to inject personality and flair. Examples include outdoor rugs and cushions, candleholders, plant pots and containers, lanterns and ornaments. You could also consider painting fencing or decking in a bright color, paint your shed, or use new or upcycled furniture to make your yard more attractive.
Create different levels
Creating different levels in your yard is an ingenious landscaping hack to make the space more visually appealing and intriguing. It’s also an excellent way to maximize space in a compact yard. Raised beds, mezzanine seating and dining areas and sunken sandpits are great examples of using split levels to make your garden look fabulous come rain or shine. If you have raised beds, you can make your yard look inviting even if your flowers aren’t in bloom by choosing beautiful materials. Rustic wooden sleepers are a spectacular addition to country cottage gardens, for example.
We often associate spending time in the garden with the warm, sunny summer months, but what if you want to make the most of your outdoor space all year round? There are many ways to banish the disappointment of watching your garden become lifeless and dull when sunshine gives way to rain, wind and snow. Minimize garden maintenance, add plants that will survive the winter and add interest and color with accessories and details. Consider adding a water feature, use different levels and keep on top of tidying.
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