When the days grow darker and colder, we can find ourselves spending less and less time outdoors. But just because the season’s changed doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your backyard!
If you’re keen to embrace the great outdoors this winter and make the most of your backyard, check out our top tips below.
Plant hardy perennials
Do you want your yard to flourish during the frost? Then it’s key to choose plants that are hardy enough to survive the harsh winter weather. There are plenty of perennials that are tolerant to cold conditions, according to Better Homes & Gardens.
This includes showy stonecrop, peonies, coneflowers, bee balm, wild columbine, and Siberian iris. Many will withstand winter and bloom in spring – making them perfect for low-maintenance gardening.
Use evergreen hedges and trees
You could also invest in a range of evergreen hedges and trees to keep your garden looking luscious throughout the winter season. Great choices include the Leyland cypress, the euonymus bush, or the common boxwood.
Boxwood bushes are a hugely popular choice as they can be easily pruned into attractive shapes such as globes, spirals, squares, or cones. Use them to create privacy fencing around your backyard or as decorative pieces near your front door or driveway.
Create a focal point
Want a reason to head outside and enjoy some fresh air on cold days? Then create a focal point that will draw you and your family out during the winter. This could be a patio with cozy seating and blankets where you can snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa.
Or if you have little ones, your focal point could be a play area with a swing set, slide, or trampoline. Invest in some outdoor heating lamps or install a fire pit that will keep you warm while you’re outside.
Install cosy lighting
Enjoy your garden on the darkest days by installing a range of warm, ambient lighting. The key here is to choose durable options that are specifically designed for the outdoors and can withstand whatever weather comes their way!
For instance, you could illuminate any steps in your backyard using special strip lighting or hooded spots. Not only would this make them look attractive but help to avoid any tripping accidents on dark days. You could also wind twinkly fairy lights around trees, pop up lighters in flower beds, and use waterproof lights from RS Americas on any walls or fences.
Look after wildlife
As well as making your garden work for you this winter, why not make it work for wildlife? It can be trickier for animals to find food during the cold and chilly months, particularly when the ground has frozen.
You could install a birdfeeder in your garden and provide a variety of nutrient-dense food for hungry birds. The Humane Society says that black-oil sunflower seeds, white millet, peanuts, suet cakes, and cracked corn are perfect for birds during winter.
There are many ways to make the most of your backyard in winter, including installing ambient lighting, using evergreen plants, and creating a focal point that will draw you outdoors. How will you make your yard winter-friendly this season?
