Abingdon Living Jan - Feb 2020

Baby it's cold outside
The garden is bare, the leaves have fallen and now is the opportunity to take stock of what you would
like to see during the wintertime. It’s also the time to plan for the spring and summer. Perhaps you
have a sunny patch where you could lay some decking or an attractive terrace, create an arch or a rose
garden are just a few examples. Here are some ideas of making your winter garden attractive and
planning for next year...including getting rid of that shed that’s on its last legs!
Gardeners in the UK have plenty of reasons to get cold feet about
winter. Plants are at rest and their bright colours have gone. And with
very little to plant, those of you who love their gardens might think
there are few winter landscaping tips - or to dos.
In fact, careful planning in spring, summer, and autumn - plus a few
easy accents during winter - can lead to a beautiful and pleasing
landscape.
Here are six winter landscaping tips to
help make you love your garden during
this season and in the future.
1. Focus on bark Deciduous trees do
lose their leaves in wintertime, leaving
their branches and trunks in focus.
It is a good idea to look out for
interesting ornamental trees that
have really visually distinctive
bark, which will add winter
interest. Many of those trees and
some shrubs are smaller, meaning
they’re easier to find spots for in the
winter landscape. Dogwoods and birch
trees are particularly good examples.
2. Include berries Many trees and shrubs
have berries they hold onto during autumn
and winter, and not only look attractive but
also provide food for birds. Crab apples, holly
and firethorn are very attractive.
3. Remember evergreens Evergreens are great at this time of year.
Firstly, there’s colour: Evergreens are not just green; they’re available
in yellow, such as Gold Thread False Cypress, and blues, the Dwarf
Blue Spruce, and all colours in between. When you are planting a
new border, try to have at least one evergreen.
4. Check out your hard landscaping Winter is a good time to
critically assess the layout of your garden, figuring out where
it’s missing focal points. The solution to enhancing your winter
landscaping might not be a plant at all. Winter is the best time to
consider the bare bones of the garden. You may wish to place a
trellis, a bench, an arbour, and if you can run to it, a garden sculpture
which will add another dimension. Perhaps plan to put in a small or
indeed large fountain for sound…the possibilities are endless.
5. Make use of your summertime containers Window boxes,
hanging baskets, winter-hardy containers are perfect for winter
landscaping. They will still need to be watered during dry periods.
You can plant up winter primroses and pansies, trailing hedera,
colourful cyclamen with their delicate flowers and leaves. Also
consider adding some spring flowering bulbs to bring colour into the
early part of the year.
6. Try these four-season perennials Some perennials have
evergreen foliage - ornamental grasses, hellebores, - dianthus with
its beautiful low-creeping foliage - making them great for winter
landscaping,
Happy gardening!
Didcot Calor & Paving Centre Ltd
• Indian Natural Stone paving from £19.95m2
inc VAT & Free Delivery
• Rolawn Medallion Turf stockist
• Bradstone, Natural Paving, Stonemarket stockist
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• Grange Fencing, Gates, Pergolas & Trellis
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For deliveries call:
01235 814186
Monday - Friday 8.30am-5pm
Saturday 9am-4pm
visit us at:
Rich’s Sidings, Lower Broadway, Didcot
sales@didcotcalor.co.uk
www.didcotcalor.co.uk
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