Beautiful Colors in Your Winter Garden

As colder weather rushes in and we snuggle down a bit deeper in our comforters, it's time for a show of appreciation for what's so GORGEOUS about winter.

Winter in the garden can be absolutely magical. Natural color is more achievable than you think. If you don't have these plants in your garden yet, don't worry - you can start planning now for next year's gorgeous display!

Here are our favorite choices for making your garden a source of viewing pleasure all winter long.

Winterberries

It's no surprise that winterberries top our list. A plant from the holly family, winterberry has been the iconic symbol of winter holidays for as long as written history, and probably before. The deep red color reminds us that even in the coldest of times, life continues - and sometimes, it's absolutely beautiful.

Snowdrops

Snowdrops come in some 20 subspecies and are well ahead of other first harbingers of spring. Though the look delicate, snowdrops emerge through near-frozen soil and in some zones bloom as early as January. 

Winter Jasmine

They don't like frozen soil, but winter jasmine can pop up as early as February. The color on these beauties lasts through spring, with last bloom around April.

Cyclamen

If you live in one of the warmer zones, this pretty plant flowers all winter long at temperatures as low as 40F. For cooler zones, transplant into pots and move indoors for a surprising pop of color around the holidays.

Winter Heath

Plant this gorgeous shrub for color from November through March or April. Although winter heath withstands low temperatures well, plant it in the sunniest spot in your garden. Don't worry - it loves winter sun just as much!

Other Ways to Add Garden Color

Not all winter garden color has to grow from the ground. Try these easy hacks to spruce (see what we did there?) things up:

• Put up a beautiful bird/squirrel feeder. You'll not only add eye-grabbing fun for your garden, you'll be feeding those friends who have stayed around all winter.
• Paint a cheerful fence and put around the rear and two sides of your garden with the front open so the garden is visible.
• Put up a pretty arbor. Later, plant a grape vine over it so you'll have lovely color in warmer months, too (plus delicious fruit!).
• Flowering plants that don't mind your daytime temperatures can be potted and taken outside during warmer winter periods. Be careful with this; not all plants can withstand the shock of cold and then warm indoor temperatures. Make sure you only choose hardy plants and unseasonably warm days.
• Don't discount the beauty of varying shades of green. Choose evergreen bushes to flank your garden. They'll look beautiful all winter, especially if you get snow!
• Gently decorate evergreen bushes with ornaments and bows during the holidays.

Have a warm and wonderful winter!

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