For many, the garden comes into its own in the summer months and, when winter seems endless, dark and cold, you can be forgiven for overlooking your outdoor space. But, with a little imagination, your garden can transform into a winter wonderland where friends and family will enjoy getting together.
Magical lighting
Nothing is more evocative of a winter wonderland than twinkling lights and flickering candles. But where can you put them, especially in a small space? With many shrubs, hedges and trees stripped of their foliage in winter, they make the perfect backdrop for strings of fairy lights. Or why not arrange lights onto wall-mounted trellis, not forgetting the garden shed, which will take on a completely different identity draped in lights?
Winter entertaining al fresco
Entertaining in the garden during the winter isn’t just for the southern hemisphere! While wrapping up in chunky throws in front of a heater is romantic, it won’t keep the snow off you, so consider providing a sheltered spot for guests. Gazebos are a versatile addition to the winter garden, providing not only shelter, but a focal point too, and they are the perfect foil for your winter decorations, including garlands, lights and baubles.
Seasonal planting
Contrary to popular belief, your garden does not have to consist entirely of evergreens in the winter, as it is possible to grow flowers and have some colour. If your beds and borders are devoted to your summer perennials, why not turn to container planting for a mini winter wonderland display that can be changed to suit the season. Our range of planters offers a wide selection, including raised beds and patio planters that are perfect for winter displays made up of dried perennials, evergreen sprigs and sprayed twigs. Hexagonal planters will house your winter flowering snow drops, preventing them from becoming too invasive in your borders, while a square planter is ideal for a flowering quince which will withstand even the harshest winter conditions. Or for winter scent, plant a clematis Jingle Bells in a Marberry Obelisk planter and watch it climb while enjoying its fragrance throughout December and January.
Turn your garden into a Christmas card
Turn your garden into a seasonal greetings card when robins come to visit. Our selection of birdtables is just the thing for providing much needed winter food for our feathered friends, and robins will enjoy dried fruits including raisins, sultanas and currants, as well as crushed nuts. They will feed from earlier in the day and until later in the evening than other birds and, in towns, they will feed after dark in artificial light. To attract a variety of bird species put out black sunflower seeds, but avoid dried lentils as some birds cannot digest them.
Decorate your boundaries
Finally, to give your garden a self-contained and private winter wonderland feel, decorate your border fences. Great alternatives to fairy lights include groups of baubles, tinsel, sprayed pine cones or simple, festive ribbon bows.