Texture in the Winter Garden

by Lydia Holley February 3, 2025

Even if your garden is dormant in winter, that does not mean it should be boring. One of the easiest ways to get winter interest is to increase the amount of textures in your garden through the use of seed heads, uncut grasses, evergreen plants, and man-made materials.

Some plants, such as cannas, should be cut back each fall, the dead portions discarded. Most plants, however, can be left to stand throughout the winter. Even if their leaves are brown, they can add height and heft to the garden.

For instance, ornamental grasses are usually left until early spring before they are cut back when new growth begins. This keeps ice from forming in the stems that will damage the grass. Most seed heads are also left until early spring to add interest and to help feed the birds. Numerous plants, such as coneflowers and others, have interesting seed heads. Find your favorite and plants lots of them. Consider bringing some in as an architectural element to winter arrangements.

Evergreens add color to a winter garden. Interesting tree bark adds texture. Another element that adds winter interest is man-made objects. Bird feeders, bird baths, fences, gates, arbors, statuary, benches, and other man-made objects can add a bit of whimsy or elegance in all seasons, but may be the only interest in certain sections of your garden during the coldest months of the year.

When you are designing your garden, consider what it will look like in winter. After all, there will be plenty of warm winter days to get out and admire it. Then, when plants go dormant and fade underground, lose leaves, or turn brown, you will still have a beautiful garden to enjoy.

For more information, call 903-675-6130, email [email protected].