Living in Ottawa, you know that all your beautiful landscaping gets covered in a blanket of white during the winter months. This can be very picturesque and beautiful. You can enhance this beauty even further by considering your winter-scape when planning your landscape design. In using all of the below elements you can achieve visual interest and capture the attention of passers-by in both the warmer months and frosty ones.
Design Elements to Achieve Year-Round Interest
Add Hardscaping Elements
Hardscaping is about adding shape and texture via the addition of stone fountains, gazebos, trellises and outdoor furnishings. When planning your design with your landscape professional consider how your hardscaping will look not just in the summer but in the winter, that way you can achieve the most visual interest year-round.
For example, a picnic table which is crafted from wood and then painted a festive scarlet may be refinished in the summer, in a cool pastel that suits the season. Adding a picnic table or gazebo will be a great way to use hardscaping to your advantage this winter.
Consider the Shape of Things
In winter, shape becomes important. Shape is apparent even when snow clings to branches and leaves, so silhouette should be a factor when you’re choosing your plants, trees and shrubs. Go for contrast by choosing a few styles with radically different shapes.re choosing your plants, trees and shrubs. Go for contrast by choosing a few styles with radically different shapes.
For example, some trees may feature long, delicate branches and they may be grouped with rounder bushes for pure contrast that is truly visually arresting.
Consider Colour
Consider the colour of your plant material not only during the warmer months but also during the winter. It’s about mixing flowers or plants with a mind to creating a monochrome or multi-hue environment. Nothing achieves visual interest in a landscape quite like colour so consider your options carefully.
For example, adding a dogwood or winterberry will display some beautiful red to contrast the winter snowy backdrop.
Now that you know the basics consult with your local landscape design professional to achieve your ideal year-round, multi-functional landscape. During the winter we can work with you to plan a stunning landscape design, and then get started the minute winter is over. If you want to have a landscaped design that has all-season appeal, we will be able to recommend the most versatile hardscaping designs and winter-friendly plants with amazing visual interest.
To find more inspiration, check out winter scenes or take a drive around your neighbourhood and see what inspires you. Then, ask a landscape design professional to bring your vision for a winter yard and/or garden to fruition.