When the temperature drops and snow blankets the ground, many homeowners in New England assume their gardens are left to hibernate until spring. But winter landscaping doesn’t have to mean a barren, lifeless yard. By incorporating winter-friendly plants, you can create a vibrant and visually appealing landscape design that offers beauty even during the coldest months! Whether you’re looking for evergreens, ornamental grasses, or hardy perennials, there’s a variety of plants available to you that thrive in New England’s winter climate.
If you are ready to get started, reach out to The Narrow Lane! Our team of landscape design experts is well-versed in seasonal landscaping, so dial (781) 797-3088 or fill out a contact form and transform your outdoor design today!
Here are some of the best plants to consider for your winter garden design:
1. Evergreens
Evergreens are a must-have for a winter landscape, providing lush greenery that persists year-round. Evergreens not only bring life to a winter garden, but they also provide structure and seasonal interest when other plants lie dormant. Their varied textures, shapes, and hues offer endless possibilities for enhancing your landscape design during the colder months. Popular choices for New Englanders include:
- Eastern White Pine: Known for its long, soft needles and towering height, the Eastern White Pine adds a majestic, stately presence to any winter garden.
- Blue Spruce: With its striking bluish hue, the Blue Spruce stands out against a snowy backdrop, offering both visual interest and winter structure.
- Boxwood: A compact shrub with dense, dark green foliage, Boxwood is perfect for creating defined borders or low hedges.
2. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry Holly is a deciduous shrub that produces vibrant red berries that stay on the plant well into winter, offering a pop of color against a snowy landscape. While the leaves drop in the fall, the berries attract birds, making it a great addition for wildlife-friendly gardens. Its natural tolerance for wet soils makes it an ideal choice for rain gardens or low-lying areas prone to moisture. Winterberry also works well in large landscape designs or as a focal point, adding seasonal interest to both formal gardens and naturalistic landscapes.
3. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
For a splash of color in your winter garden, consider Winter Jasmine. This hardy vine bursts into yellow flowers even in the coldest months, brightening up a drab landscape. It thrives in sunny spots and can be used to add color to trellises, fences, or other structures. Unlike many other winter bloomers, Winter Jasmine blooms on bare stems, creating a striking contrast against snow or dark wood. Its fast-growing, trailing habit also makes it perfect for cascading over walls or spilling from raised beds, adding a cheerful pop of color where it’s least expected.
4. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses can add texture and movement to your winter landscape design. Their tall, feathery plumes sway in the breeze, creating visual interest even in the coldest weather. Many varieties also retain their golden hues through winter, providing warmth and contrast against bare branches and snow. Some excellent options include:
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): Known for its graceful, upright form, Switchgrass adds height and drama to any winter garden.
- Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora): This upright grass remains strong and holds its shape through the winter, providing structure and texture.
5. Red-twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
The Red-twig Dogwood is a shedding shrub with vibrant red stems that stand out beautifully against any snowy or overcast backdrop. While the leaves may fall in the winter, the striking red stems provide a pop of color throughout the colder months. This hardy shrub also offers excellent structural interest in the landscape design, especially when combined with evergreens or ornamental grasses. In spring, it can be pruned back to encourage new growth and maintain its vivid color. The Red-twig Dogwood is perfect for adding both beauty and low-maintenance appeal to winter gardens.
6. Hellebores
Also known as the “Christmas Rose,” Hellebores are winter-blooming perennials that can withstand cold temperatures. Their delicate, nodding flowers often appear in late winter, giving your garden an early dose of color as spring arrives. Hellebores are ideal for shaded areas, making them a great addition to wooded landscapes. In addition to their early blooms, their leathery foliage remains attractive throughout the year, providing year-round interest. These resilient plants are also deer-resistant, making them a reliable choice for yards or gardens prone to wildlife browsing.
7. Creeping Thyme
While many plants die back during the winter, Creeping Thyme is a resilient ground cover that thrives in cold weather. Along with its evergreen foliage, it releases a pleasant fragrance when stepped on. Its tiny flowers in early spring are also a welcome sight. Creeping Thyme is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for areas with poor soil or limited irrigation. Its dense growth also helps suppress weeds, offering both beauty and practicality in your winter garden.
8. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
Snowdrops are one of the earliest bloomers of the season. These delicate white flowers often begin to bloom even when there’s still snow on the ground. They can be planted in drifts to create a natural, snowy effect across your landscape design, signaling the approach of warmer months. Snowdrops also multiply easily over time, forming lovely clusters that spread through garden beds. Their ability to bloom so early makes them an excellent addition to areas where you want to add some brightness after the long winter months.
Winter Garden Tips for New England Homeowners
New England’s harsh winters can be tough on your garden, but with the right plants, you can enjoy a beautiful, dynamic landscape design year-round. To get the most out of your winter garden:
- Choose Cold-Hardy Plants: Always opt for plants that are known to withstand New England’s cold winters, such as those mentioned above.
- Create Visual Interest: Focus on a mix of evergreen plants, vibrant stems, ornamental grasses, and colorful berries to maintain visual appeal throughout the season.
- Incorporate Structure: Hardscaping features like stone walls, pathways, and garden statues can also help add structure and interest when the plants are dormant.
Bring Your Winter Landscape Design Vision to Life
Winter landscaping doesn’t have to mean sacrificing beauty or interest. By choosing the right plants, you can create a stunning, year-round garden that shines even in the coldest months. From vibrant evergreens and ornamental grasses to colorful winter blooms and unique shrubs, there are plenty of options to incorporate into your landscape design for a dynamic winter garden. Remember, your garden doesn’t have to hibernate – let it thrive throughout the entire season!
If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space, The Narrow Lane is here to help. Our expert landscape design team can guide you in selecting the perfect plants and creating a cohesive design that works throughout the year. Call us at (781) 797-3088 or fill out a contact form today to start planning your winter garden masterpiece!