You probably picture lush greenery, vibrantly-colored flowers, sunny skies, and warm weather when you think about landscaping. Even though the temperatures are lower, there are many winter garden plants that can brighten up any space. These winter landscaping methods will make your yard look great all winter, no matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener.
PREPARING YOUR LANDSCAPING NOW FOR THE COLDER MONTHS
Preventative maintenance is essential to maintain the quality of your Charleston SC landscaping throughout the winter. These simple tips will help you save time and money in spring, and let you focus on adding spring and summer colors to your yard with gorgeous annuals.
REFRESH YOUR MULCH
Mulch should be 1.5-2 inches thick to keep perennial roots warm and protected all winter. It will also help ensure they are ready for spring. Mulch should be applied on moist ground, such as the day following a rain. Mulch will help retain moisture during winter. Follow our step-by-step lawn care guide to mulching to get the most out of your investment.
MOW THE LAWN ONE FINAL TIME
Although many people give up on their lawnmowers in September, there are several benefits to keeping your work going into fall. For a shorter cut, you can drop your mower blade a little each time you mow. A shorter lawn will help prevent frostbite, snow mold, as well as deter rodents and other pests from creating winter nests near your home.
WINTERIZE WATER SYSTEMS
It doesn’t matter if you have a simple sprinkler system or a complicated garden hose, you can get rid of the water before it freezes. To prevent mold and freezing, turn off water sources and spigots. Also empty and coil hoses. You may need to clean an integrated sprinkler system with compressed air.
CLEAN TOOLS, EMPTY FUEL
Use your hose to remove shovels and other tools from the outdoors before you shut off outdoor water supplies for winter. You can brush any grass from your mowers and empty out any gas-powered equipment like leaf blowers, trimmers and mowers.
It is the best time to ensure that your winter tools are prepared for use during yard maintenance. You can save yourself a trip to the first snow by getting your winter tools ready now, whether you need a snow shovel or gas for the snowblower.
SET YOUR PLANTS UP FOR SPRING SUCCESS
If they are kept warm and dry until the ground freezes, perennials will have the best chance to bloom early in the spring. Keep watering plants until they reach 40 degrees F. If the temperature rises, water again.
You can encourage healthy new growth by fertilizing your lawn before the first freeze. This will save you time and effort in the spring.
WINTER LANDSCAPE PLANTATIONS
Many plants can grow and thrive in winter, contrary to what you might believe. The location of your garden, the temperature, and the amount of sunlight will determine what plants you can grow.
EVERGREENS
Winter landscaping is a staple for coniferous evergreens. They not only add height to your space and provide a focal point, but also look great all year. The strong foundation of your space is made up of fir, cedar, spruce and juniper trees. They will continue to grow taller every year and become more full.
BUSHES & SHRUBS
Your landscape will look lush and green in winter with shrubs and bushes. These types of plants are easy to maintain and can be used to frame windows and doors. To give your garden structure and order, make sure you keep shrubs and bushes well-trimmed in winter.
ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
Winter landscaping can be enhanced with ornamental grasses or grass-like plants. They add height and texture to the landscape. These plants are durable and provide shelter and food for birds and other winter wildlife.
PERENNIALS
Perennials, which are perennial winter garden plants, will bring you joy year after year. Many varieties of viburnum, pansy and dogwood will continue to produce berries or bloom into the fall. Some will even last through winter. They bring forth vibrant blooms in spring just like last year.
WINTER GARDEN PLANT MAINTENANCE
CLEARING SNOW
Snow should be removed from your shrubs and perennials just like you do your car. Use a shovel to lift large amounts of snow and ice off the plants. Next, use a gloved hand and gently brush the snow away with your gloved hands. Cold branches can be particularly fragile, so it is important to take care of your plants now.
ROAD AND SIDEWALK ALT
It’s possible that a salty winter caused a perennial to not return to its original location near a walkway or road. Avoid planting the most durable trees and shrubs near the curb. There will be snow accumulation and salt spray.
Salting walkways is best done in a small amount. You can also use a calcium chloride salt to keep your plants healthy. Calcium chloride may be more expensive than sodium chloride salt but will not cause damage to plants, concrete, or vehicles.
PRUNING and TRIMMING
The best time to trim and prune your trees and other plants in early winter is so they can thrive in spring. It’s much easier to identify diseased or damaged branches once trees have lost their leaves. It is important to remove them before the cold sets in so that the trees can focus their energy on developing strong, healthy branches for spring.
Winter is the best season to care for your shrubs. For that magical winter look, trim bushes and shrubs in a geometrical way.
BEYOND PLANTS – UNIQUE WINTER LANDSCAPING IDEAS
There are many beautiful winter garden plants available. However, a landscape is incomplete without some unique hardscaping elements. These winter landscaping tips will help you create the perfect winter wonderland, whether your hardscaping is in dire need of some decorations or new pieces are being installed.
MAINTAIN YOUR HARDSCAPING
Hardscaping gives your landscape a solid foundation to build on. You’ll need to get to work quickly if you want to add hardscaping to your landscape before winter. You can schedule a power wash to refresh your hardscaping or begin thinking about what changes you could make in the spring.
ADD HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Even on the coldest days, holiday decorations can bring color and joy. Choose a style that matches the interior and style of your home, as well your family’s personality. To create a cohesive look, decorate the landscape around your home as an extension of the indoor decorations. To finish the look, extend your decorations to the street or to the entrance.
Are you looking for holiday decorations that are affordable? You can add to your existing hardscaping or outdoor elements, rather than replacing them completely.
- These simple changes can transform your outdoor space.
- Bird feeder posts and lighting fixtures can be adorned with greenery.
- In year-round wreaths, include pinecones and berries
- Planters can be decorated with colored bows
- Stack firewood beside existing porch decor
- You can add white or colored lights to your fences, railings and statues.
- You can save money by building on top your year-round fixtures and reduce the storage space you require for the remainder of the year.
ATTRACT WILDLIFE AND BIRDS
Birds can bring color to your garden and home in winter months. Birds can shelter from perennials and ornamental grasses, so don’t cut them too short. Many grasses produce seeds that birds can eat.
A great way to attract birds to your yard is to provide food and water. Simple hanging feeders are sufficient. Suet cakes and suet mixes can attract songbirds.
Birds can also find it difficult to get water in colder months. This is why it is important to have a small birdbath located in a sunny location. Expert birders recommend adding stones or sticks to the water to encourage drinking. This will discourage birds from bathing in cold weather.
PLANNING FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
KEEP A PLANT BOOK
It can be hard to keep your garden looking great year after year. To help you track what plants did well, which ones failed, and what you need to do next year, start a plant journal. You will be able to get excited about spring plantings and help you get through the winter months.
Do your SPRING RESEARCH NOW
Do you long for a vegetable garden? Perhaps you are looking to add new stones or expand your current beds. This is the best time to start planning and budgeting for next year’s summer and spring garden. Our plant finder can help you find the right plants for your space.
Contact Porter Hayes Landscaping LLC now.
Porter Hayes Landscaping LLC
Charleston, SC 29419
(843) 532-3270
http://www.porterhayeslandscaping.com/
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