The winter garden is far from dormant; in fact, if you venture out into the winter garden you really will discover an array of wonder awaiting you. Through cold frosty soil eager spring bulbs push their heads up to make an early appearance, garden birds flit from branch to branch as they forage on seed heads for nutritious scraps and winter flowering shrubs are fit to burst lighting up the darkest of garden corners, wafting fragrant blooms at passersby.
Ornamental grasses have yet to be felled providing a sepia backdrop to bare borders, thrust in to centre stage; ignited by low winter light. There is much to celebrate in the skeletal garden, stripped back to its bare bones; there is no hiding behind flouncy flowers. This clarity allows us to truly see our gardens for what they are; giving us the perfect opportunity to take stock and introduce structure where needed because with a solid garden framework everything else will fall into place.
So what can we do to add structure to our winter garden?
Striking trees
Trees are the backbone of our gardens and their presence is never more essential than during winter. Trees symbolise longevity, when you plant a tree you are planting the future and depending on the variety perhaps even for future generations to come, which is very humbling.
If you have space it’s a good idea to plant evergreen and deciduous trees. When looking for winter interest consider the tree’s bark, shape and be mindful of your garden’s location and soil depending on the tree’s needs.
Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis var. jacquemontii) is a must; its ethereal bark peels back to reveal an exceptional stark whiteness that will fill you with wonder. This purity is emphasised on blue-sky days when illuminated by the winter sun. The multi-stemmed Himalayan birch makes a super feature tree but if you have space it is even more impressive planted in a group.
The Paper Bark Maple (Acer griseum), is a tree that’s well-suited to small gardens with a cinnamon-red trunk that will stop you in your tracks; its peeling, warm bark virtually glows. Or consider the coral-bark maple (Acer palmatum), whose luminous coloured bark shines vivid and bright.
If you have a large, sheltered garden or patio and live in the southern part of the UK then consider something completely different, Rainbow Gum (Eucalyptus deglupta). I have been lucky enough to witness this incredible eucalyptus, that looks like it is straight off the set of the Magic Roundabout; happily growing on a South West farm. Be aware they are not fans of frost so need winter protection; particularly when young. These sun lovers really thrive around 18-29°C (65-85°F) so in a protected spot you will not be disappointed; Rainbow Gum is truly a sight to be marvelled.
Another favourite of mine is the sumac tree (Rhus typhina) or staghorn sumac; this architectural tree has a graceful branching habit resembling stag’s horns that will add stature to your garden. Sumac has many attributes that shine at different times of the year; in autumn it ignites with fiery, bonfire hues of yellow, orange through to red but as the leaves drop they expose the magnificent branches beneath.
Topiary and hedges
Hedging is a great way to introduce structure to your garden, literally creating a living wall that can mask off garden areas.
Hedging can come in many forms from dense evergreens or swathes of cornus dogwood planted en masse; their vibrant stems bring a flash of primary colours to spaces. From the pillar box red stems of Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ and ‘Sibirica’ and to the exquisite graduating tones of Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’; winter is why you plant dogwood.
Or for drama plant Garrya elliptica ‘James Roof’; this large evergreen shrub boasts extremely long catkin tassels that drip from branches like icicles. Growing in all soils, sun or partial shade, it is a useful shrub to fill big spaces.
Not everyone has space for a hedge so make the most of patios and plant in pots. Topiary is a perfect way to add drama to your winter garden when space is tight. With many parts of the country ravaged by box tree caterpillars, play safe with easy-to-grow alternatives. Yew, compact Euonymus japonicus, evergreen spindle, and pittosporum all offer fab foliage that should remain intact and when the weather hits, snow and frost will add a sense of fun, accentuating shapes.
Grasses
A great way to utilise winter light is through planting ornamental grasses. Grasses are transformed once backlit by low winter sunlight; adding warm hues and texture to the border and sound as the grasses seem to whisper in the wind as they rustle.
I am a big fan of Miscanthus sinensis, maiden grass, whose pendula seed heads droop from its tips in a graceful arch, swaying in the breeze and catching sun beams. ‘Morning Light’ has thin textured cream and green foliage growing to around 1.5m – 1.8m or opt for the burgundy and orange shades with ‘Purple Fall’ These sun worshipers will come back every year; once the winter wonder draws to a close; simply chop these grasses to the floor and they will soon sprout back with fine fresh foliage.
Garden furniture
Many of us favour being tucked up under a rug with a cuppa in front of a roaring fire in winter but create a cosy corner in your garden and make the outdoors an attractive place to retreat to, a snug, somewhere you are happy to escape for a quiet moment.
There are so many options for garden furniture from Rattan seating sets to bespoke wooden benches; whatever your preference, select something that suits your style that is always in situ so you do not have to set anything up. Make the process of leaving the house and spending time in the garden as simple and seamless as possible.
Grab a thick chunky rug and if the weather is cold but dry, stoke up a fire pit! If you have a summer house or greenhouse pop a chair in the space so you can land. Sitting still gives us time to ponder the garden and the endless possibilities of the year ahead; you will soon feel energised.
Climbing frames
Permanent structures like arbours, trellis and gazebos are a real asset to the winter garden, standing tall in all weathers. Embellish them with winter-flowering climbers and bring your garden to life.
Clematis urophylla ‘Winter Beauty’ is a prolific flowering hardy evergreen. This plant breaks tradition where many are laying low, biding their time until spring; ‘Winter Beauty’ erupts into cascades of creamy bells that cover dark green foliage. This plant is an absolute must or try Clematis cirrhosa ‘Wisley Cream’ which has a similar flowering and growing habit. Read our article on Winter flowering clematis.
Finally, treat your senses to intoxicating scent; plant winter-flowering honeysuckle, Lonicera fragrantissima. Small creamy-white flowers adorn woody stems between a few sparsely spaced leaves. These flowers radiate scent from winter to spring and are a magnet for winter active pollinators.
