6 ways to brighten up your garden in winter

6 ways to brighten up your garden in winter | The Coastal Garden Company | Torbay

Winter might seem like the time to pack up your gardening tools, but think again!

With a little creativity, you can transform your garden into a winter wonderland. Even when the days are short and the air is chilly, your outdoor space can still shine brightly.

By selecting the right plants and adding a few thoughtful touches, your garden can be as vibrant as ever. 

Let's dive into some clever tips that will bring life and warmth to those frosty months.

1. Choose Colourful Winter Plants

Transform your garden into a winter wonderland by selecting plants that thrive in the chilly months. These vibrant additions can turn your space from drab to fab, even when temperatures drop.

Winter Flowering Shrubs

Winter flowering shrubs like the charismatic Witch Hazel and the striking Mahonia offer a splash of colour during the colder months. Witch Hazel's spidery yellow blooms can instantly brighten your garden, while Mahonia's fragrant clusters of yellow flowers bring both beauty and aroma. Plant them near paths or doorways to fully enjoy their presence.

Evergreen Trees and Bushes

Evergreens are the unsung heroes of the winter garden. They ensure your space is alive with lush greenery, regardless of frost. Consider planting Boxwood or Holly. Boxwood offers a classic look with its dense foliage, perfect for topiary fun. Meanwhile, Holly adds festive cheer with its glossy leaves and vibrant red berries, a snack for garden birds too!

Winter Bedding Plants

For a sea of colour at ground level, turn to winter bedding plants. Pansies and Violas can brave the cold while adding enchanting hues of purple, yellow, and white. Plant them in clusters for an eye-catching effect. Don’t forget Primroses, whose cheerful faces can withstand winter’s chill, promising a burst of colour during the bleakest of days.

2. Incorporate Garden Art

Winter might strip down your garden, but it’s the perfect canvas for showcasing stunning garden art that dazzles even when flowers fade.

Sculptures and Statues

Introduce sculptures and statues to create focal points in your garden. Choose timeless stone statues, or perhaps a modern sculpture that contrasts elegantly against evergreen backdrops. Look out for pieces that can weather well and add lasting charm, rewarding you with intriguing silhouettes dusted with frost.

Decorative Planters

Why settle for boring planters when you can effortlessly add elegance with decorative ones? Opt for pots in bold shades or those with intricate patterns to bring creativity to your garden. Metallic planters, such as copper or bronze, can add a warm and luxurious touch. Fill them with winter-hardy plants, and you’ve got a stylish feature that beautifully stands out.

Coloured Mulch

Coloured mulch is an underrated gem for adding dimension and vibrancy to your garden. Choose hues like cocoa brown or deep red that contrast with the green of winter plants. Not only does it look great, but mulch also helps retain moisture and protect plant roots from chilly temperatures. Plus, it's an excellent way to control those pesky winter weeds!

TOP TIP:

Why settle for boring planters when you can effortlessly add elegance with decorative ones? Opt for pots in bold shades or those with intricate patterns to bring creativity to your garden.

We can even make some stylish wooden ones for you!

3. Use Lights to Highlights the Beauty of your Garden

Winter can be a dark time in more ways than one, but with a few lighting features, your garden can become a winter wonderland. Clever lighting not only illuminates pathways but also highlights the beauty of your garden's structure.

Solar Path Lights

Solar path lights are an energy-efficient way to bring life to your garden's walkways. They soak up the sunlight during the day and glow gently at night. Place them along paths or around garden features to create an inviting, enchanting space. Plus, they come in various styles, so you can choose ones that match your garden's aesthetic perfectly.

String Lights

String lights aren't just for Christmas! Draping them through trees or around shrubs can add a cosy, magical feel to your garden. Opt for warm whites or go bold with multi-coloured strands to create an atmosphere that lifts the spirit even on the gloomiest days.

Lanterns

If you're after something more traditional, lanterns can add a touch of elegance to any winter garden. Choose from hanging lanterns or ground-based ones, and depending on your taste, use real candles or battery-operated LED alternatives for safety and longevity. Group them together for a stylish focal point that draws attention even in the darkest nights.

4. Embrace Evergreens

Evergreens are a garden's best friend in the winter months, retaining their colour and providing structure when most other plants have lost their leaves.

Use of Conifers

Conifers are the stalwarts of winter gardens. Available in various shapes and sizes, they add height and interest. Plant a selection that includes different shades of green, blue, and even gold to ensure your garden stays vibrant.

Variety of Holly

Holly bushes are winter classics for good reason. Their glossy green leaves and bright red berries bring a festive touch to any garden. Plant different types to enjoy a range of leaf colours and berry hues while also making the garden a haven for wildlife.

Boxwoods and Yews

Boxwoods and yews offer dense greenery that can be cleverly shaped into everything from simple spheres to elaborate topiary. They’re hardy and versatile, providing both privacy and charm. Use them to create borders or as focal points that stand out against the muted winter backdrop.

5. Use Containers

Winter doesn't mean your garden has to look dreary! By incorporating seasonal containers, you can bring new life to your outdoor space even in the chilliest months.

Planter Arrangements

Choose planters in varying sizes and materials like ceramic, terracotta, or even recycled items to create visual interest. Fill them with winter-hardy plants like evergreens, ornamental cabbages, or pansies. Arrange them creatively, perhaps clustering them together or aligning them along pathways to guide visitors with bursts of colour.

Window Boxes

Window boxes can absolutely transform the façade of your house. Select vibrant winter blooms such as trailing ivy or violas to add charm and warmth. Mix in evergreen foliage and perhaps some decorative branches or twigs, ensuring a sturdy setup to withstand winter winds. Your window boxes will be the talk of the street!

Hanging Baskets

Don't overlook hanging baskets—they're perfect for a splash of colour at eye level. Hardy cyclamen, winter jasmine, or snowdrops make stunning displays. Remember to cluster different textures and colours together for a truly eye-catching effect. It's a simple way to lift spirits during those grey skies.

6. Add Texture with Bark and Stones

Winter doesn't have to mean a dull garden! Adding different textures with bark and stones can completely transform the look and feel of your outdoor space. It's all about mixing and matching materials to create a vibrant and engaging environment, even when the flowers aren't in bloom. Here are some tips to get you started.

Use of Pebbles and Gravel

Pebbles and gravel are fantastic for injecting life into your garden. They come in a variety of colours and sizes, which means you can play around with them to create beautiful patterns and designs. Try using pebbles to outline flower beds or choose gravel as a chic covering for paths that wind through your winter wonderland.

Mulch Varieties

Don't underestimate the power of mulch! Not only does it keep your garden warm by insulating plant roots, but it also adds a lovely texture. Choose from options like bark chips, straw, or composted leaves. Each variety has its unique look and can complement the rest of your garden's design. Plus, mulch reduces maintenance, which is always a bonus!

Stone Pathways

Stone pathways guide the eye and add an elegant structure to any garden. You can opt for large, flat stones or even intricate stepping stones that lead to hidden corners. Choose stones with a subtle sheen to reflect light, or pick ones in contrasting colours for a stunning visual effect. Stone pathways don't just make your garden look good; they also provide a sturdy surface during those rainy winter days.

4 steps to make your garden the way YOU want it to be.

1. Arrange a free quote Fill out our form below or call us to arrange a time that is convenient to you for us to view the garden.

2. We’ll arrange a free garden visit We’ll work with you to give you the best price for your desires and budget.

3. Your perfect garden will be created Sit back and relax safe in the knowledge that we will transform your garden for you to use as you wish.

4. We will take away your garden waste and dispose of it responsibly We’re certified and insured, giving you peace of mind.

Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help when it comes to gardening. Whether you’re seeking professional assistance or relying on the support of friends and community resources, getting the help you need can make the process more enjoyable and rewarding.

Making your garden the way you want is our priority.

Whether it’s a veggie plot so you can enjoy soups and salads, or a tranquil flower garden to relax in, we will make sure your garden is the way you want.

Our specialisms include; Turfing, Artificial Grass and Lawn Care, Garden Maintenance, Garden Clearances, Fencing, Gravelling, Raised Beds, Garden Clearances, Planting and much more!

Simply call 07804 056171 or email [email protected]


Turfing, Artificial Grass and Lawn Care

For immediate impact turfing your garden can totally transform your it giving you a outside space to relax in straight away.

Read More

Gravelling

A gravel driveway or patio is a quick and attractive alternative to block paving or brickwork. Our gravelling service is top quality and competitively priced.

Read More

Garden Clearances

Does your garden resemble an overgrown and unmanageable jungle? Let The Coastal Garden Company take the hassle and mess away with our garden clearance service.

Read More

Planting

It can be a challenge knowing which plants will thrive in certain environments; The Coastal Garden Company is here to give you the right advice on choosing, sourcing & planting.

Read More

Fencing, Decking & Woodwork

Our fencing & woodwork service is top quality and competitively priced, and will make a huge difference to the appearance of, and how you feel about, your garden.

Read More

Garden Maintenance

Are you looking for a regular gardener? We provide garden maintenance service includes lawn mowing, lawn edging, planting, digging over ground and weeding etc.

Read More