5 Landscaping Projects to Transform Your Yard This Winter

Most homeowners don’t think of wintertime as the optimal season to upgrade their yard. Since spring and summer usually have the best weather for outdoor gatherings, these seasons also tend to be the most common time for landscaping projects.

However, there are all kinds of ways to update your outdoor space in any season, winter included. Read on to explore five fun ideas for wintertime landscaping additions to try in your space:

1. Add Pops of Color With Unique Pottery

Pottery requires no electricity or soil disruption to add to your yard, making it one of the easiest ways to breathe new life into an outdoor space. Additionally, outdoor vases, planters, and similar items come in many colors, shapes, and sizes.

By using pottery, you can turn your outdoor space into your very own open-air art exhibit, with handmade pieces that inspire you or complement the other features of your yard. The pieces you choose can also create a through-line for your interior design when you select colors and styles within your landscaping projects.

Bear in mind that you will need to select pottery that is suitable for your climate.  For example, resin containers are often capable of standing up to winter elements, while certain natural materials like terra cotta cannot withstand climates with frequent freeze-thaw cycles.

2. Update Your Garden Mulch

Mulch plays an important role in keeping your plants safe during the colder months. It insulates the ground, protecting smaller and more vulnerable plants from the harsh effects of cold weather.

But did you know that your garden mulch can do more than just protect your landscaping? It can also serve as an eye-catching pop of color within your outdoor space that contributes to the overall aesthetic.

Colored mulch can create an interesting contrast with your plants and make the colors of their leaves and flowers stand out even more. Additionally, the use of colored mulch offers a practical way to define different sections of your garden and create visual focal points, allowing you to showcase specific plant varieties or highlight key features within your yard.

3. Install a Fire Pit

If a bit of cold weather is all that’s stopping you from enjoying your backyard in the winter, a fire pit is the key! There are multiple ways to go about installing a fire pit in your yard that range in effort and cost.

For example, you could buy a fully independent fire pit that you place near your seating, or you could build a firepit with the same or similar materials used to create your outdoor patio.

You could also add additional seating, lighting, and other furniture to your space that specifically matches the material of your firepit. You’ll enjoy the well-crafted aesthetic of your yard as you lounge comfortably by the fire, no matter how cold it might be outside.

4. Make Your Patio a Cozy Hideaway

There are so many outdoor patio additions to consider if you want to enjoy it in winter, but most of them revolve around creating an insulated and cozy environment. If your outdoor sitting area is completely exposed to the weather, it might be difficult to fully make use of it on a cold day even if you have a fire pit to keep you warm.

Consider adding some additional walls or other weather-proofing measures to your outdoor seating. This could be as comprehensive as adding full wooden walls on most or all sides, or it could be as simple as adding canvas walls that can be pulled down in the winter and put up in the summer.

With some protection from wind and cold, you’ll be able to create some sense of insulation and lounge comfortably in your outdoor space. Add some ambient lighting, cozy chairs, and blankets, and you’ll never want to leave your outdoor patio!

5. Incorporate Plants That Provide Color

If you notice variations in how certain plants in your landscaping react to winter temperatures, it’s worth thinking about incorporating plants that not only endure the cold season but also add vibrant colors.

Plants exhibit different responses to temperature changes. For example, evergreens like rhododendron and viburnum might droop in extremely cold weather, but they typically return to their normal winter appearance when it warms up—this is a common occurrence.

We recommend Coral bark Japanese Maple or Arctic Fire Dogwood for their renowned ability to endure cold temperatures and reduced sunlight. Both of these options are hardy enough to survive winter weather and contribute to the overall visual appeal of your landscape design.

Upgrade Your Yard in Any Season With Garrett Churchill

With over 25 years of expertise in transforming landscaping dreams into reality in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, our skilled team is dedicated to crafting a yard that brings joy year-round. Contact us today to get started.