Brighten Your Winter Landscape

Take a look out your windows, now in the dead of winter.  Boring?  Then this is a great time to think about how to cure the problem of a dreary winter landscape.

If your winters are mild there are plenty of options to add a little spark and interest to that view out your windows.  In much of the North and Upper Midwest we are generally covered with endless white piles of snow for months on end.  A little more challenging, but still there are a number of things you can do to spice things up.

Start simple by adding color and texture both with structures and plants.  In snow covered regions very subtle touches can go a long way.  Your accents should have a unifying theme using color or design.  And generally one large piece, grouping, or painted object with a few smaller coordinated items works much better than many little bauble scattered around.

• Paint the fence, the entry doors, the garage or shed. You don't have to use fire engine red to add a little interest. A subtle pastel, subdued jewel tone, or rich earth tone can be very pleasing in all seasons.

• Identify places to tuck in colorful

• Hang painted bird houses or colorful bird feeders from the trees.

• Add lighting to illuminate landscape features. Up light a graceful tree, light a pathway or spotlight a featured piece of garden art. Solar lighting makes it easy. You will even find solar lit gazing balls, garden globes and accents.

• Add a cozy area with a fire pit. Even in the coldest dreariest regions, a winter fire with hot chocolate instantly brightens the night.

• Plant evergreens for year round green and texture.

• Plant shrubs and trees with bright berries.

• Plant shrubs and trees with colorful and interesting bark.

• And don't forget to create some wonderful winter containers.

Develop ideas slowly by evaluating the approach to your home, from your front door, and by looking out windows from your living areas,  Take pictures so you remember how things look in winter and make notes of all your ideas.  You will be ready to get started as soon as the snow melts.