If you’ve invested time, money and energy into making a gorgeous garden, then why waste it? When the first frost of November hardens the ground and settles like glitter on the bare branches, why does everyone hurry to pack up the tools in the shed and stow away the garden chairs? Winter is a time for subtle and elegant beauty. You can appreciate flashes of colour and more amongst the dark greens, greys and browns that seem to wash over the landscape. The key to maximising and enjoying your winter garden is having the right plants, ensuring an interesting landscape, and installing some shelter where you can watch your garden thrive in comfort and warmth.

Landscaping

Your landscaping work is best done in the sunnier seasons, so you can maximise the long hours of light and are kept at a comfortable temperature when working. However, when you do undertake your landscaping project you must bear in mind what your garden design will look like all year round. Different heights, terrains, shapes and layers are the key to an interesting garden. Make sure you have a hedge that works its way around the garden edge; this is best in an evergreen, such as conifer, so it stays green all year. Ensure you have varied surfaces, such as a path and a patio as well as a lawn. The best gardens are symmetrical in design or have a centre piece such as a pond, patio, or large and impressive tree.

Plants

You really have to plan ahead for winter gardens, because plants and trees take a long time to grow. Ensure you have a mixture of garden trees; evergreens will ensure your garden remains impressive, whilst pinecones look charming and berries are symbolic of Christmas. Plant bushes such as dogwood, virburnum and holly are ideal, as the berries provide a splash of colour and also attract birds. If you’re lucky enough to have maple trees, these look stunning in autumn when the leaves turn every shade of red and orange. Make sure to also plant early blooming flowers such as hellebores, snowdrops and japonica.

Shelter

If you’re determined to be enchanted by the delicate blooms and barks that winter brings, it is still best enjoyed at a distance, where you know you won’t catch a chill. Building a garden shelter means you can watch your garden grow from somewhere comfortable and relaxing. Build a traditional conservatory that looks out at your garden. Remember to make your extension in keeping with the style of your house and also your garden. If you want to be more immersed in nature, then opt for a cabin or summer house. The name summer house is actually misleading, because there’s nothing to stop you getting cosy in winter if you chose the right furnishings.

Heating

If you’re opting for a wooden cabin or summer house to hide away in your lovely winter garden, then you will need some heating. There are several options to make your cabin cosy. You could opt for halogen electric heaters which are portable; however you would need an electricity supply. There are also gas burners, which can be installed centrally and heat efficiently, wood burning stoves, which retain rustic style, or you could even opt for a biofuel fireplace which is safe and sustainable.

Furniture

Last but never least; remember to add furniture to your garden shelter. At Verdon Grey we have eight beautiful furniture ranges which can be mixed and matched to provide style and comfort for your conservatory, cabin or patio. Our all weather garden furniture is adaptable and durable, so it won’t deteriorate if left outside over winter. If you do bring your furniture inside, arrange it round a coffee table so you can relax with friends whilst looking out at your garden. Accessorise your garden chairs with comfy cushions for additional cosiness. 

And there you have it; the secrets to a perfect winter garden have been unlocked. The best way is to leave your options open, so that if you do have a spell of bright wintery sun you can pop your furniture back on the patio and enjoy the fresh air. Our furniture is suitable for both outdoor and inside use, so don’t be afraid to move it around. That way you can enjoy your garden from every angle.