All the bright color may be gone for the season, but that doesn’t mean you have to love your yard any less! While the wintertime is not the ideal time of year for working in the garden, there are a handful of considerations that make your landscape so much more appealing even in what sometimes feels like the temporary tundra of Olathe midwest.

1. Evergreens are Always an Answer

Evergreens rock because they work for many landscapes no matter the season. While your other trees may have lost all of their leaves, your evergreen should never lose all of it’s needles. You’ll have color all year, and because evergreens come in a lot of different shades ranging between green, purple, yellow and blue, you can have the color that works best with your landscape design.

2. Berries!

Delicious and colorful, berries are the perfect answer for the winter garden that is found wanting. You may not want to eat all of them, but some plants retains their berries (and leaves) even after they have entered their dormant state. Berries can serve as the focal point of your outdoor winter display (especially in combination with holiday lighting) while providing some much needed food for birds and other small animals during the cold weather. 

3. Hard(scape) Thinking

Winter really is one of the best times to critically assess your landscape. You might think you need a plant in summer, but come winter, sometimes the need for a hardscape object becomes much more obvious. Pay attention to where your design is missing focal points or interesting objects. Sculptures or arbors are simple additions that can make a big difference. With some snow or ice these types of garden additions can become even more interesting.

4. Tis’ the Season to Shop

Just because the garden section at your local big box store is MIA for the winter doesn’t mean your local garden shop is closed. Many garden stores offer deep discounts during this season to get shoppers in the door. Drop by your local garden store to see what they have going on and pick up on any winter deals before prices go back up in the springtime.