Winter is Coming. Time to Replace Your Summer Plants with Hardy Winter Varieties.

Fall has arrived, and winter is coming faster than any of us would like to admit. Even though some days remind us of the warm, sunny months, sweater weather is almost here. This is a cold reminder that your plants need to be changed to ones that can withstand the harsher winter environment. Changing colors will also provide an attractive environment for your commercial property that conveys prosperity.

Beauty From A Distance

When planning your fall or winter landscape, something else to consider is what colors or textures stand out the most from a distance. Likely, it’s the person driving at 40 miles per hour past your property you want to attract, not the person already there. Thus, it is important to understand what plants or flowers will make them take a second look at your property.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Seasonal Color

A colorful flower bed or landscape is undoubtedly beautiful, but when too many colors are used, it becomes saturated from a distance. We are here to help with that! Here is a guide to what you should and shouldn’t be adding to your landscape to make it “pop” the most from a distance;

• Use lighter colors such as yellow or white: These colors show more detail versus darker colors like purple or blue. Interesting fact: Yellow is the first color the human eye sees, so a bed of beautiful yellow pansies is sure to grab the attention of a passerby!
• Use darker colors for a border: If you choose to use a dark color, use it as a border around lighter-colored plants and flowers. This will make the flower bed stand out more.
• Don’t over blend: Our rule of thumb is to use a maximum of 2-3 colors together. The more colors you use, the more you will overwhelm the landscape.

Now that we have discussed the colors to use let’s chat about the plants/flowers and textures best suited for the winter months. The plants and flowers planted in the first seasonal color change in May have likely survived the scorching heat of the summer and are now ready to be replaced with plants and flowers that can survive the harsher temperatures of the winter. Below are a few plants that can not only survive but thrive in the winter;

• Pansies and Dianthus: These are very hardy plants that can bounce back from ice storm damage.
• Dusty Miller and Ornamental Cabbages: Although non-flowering, these are beautiful to add to winter landscapes for a pop of color.
• Maroon Kale: This plant offers a deep shade of maroon, providing depth and texture in any garden. Even though it doesn’t flower, it is a beautiful plant to use.
• Italian Stone Pine: This is another excellent texturing plant to use. They are about 2 feet tall and stay in their containers for use in any garden or landscape.

  

  Yellow Pansies

  

  Dusty Miller

  

  Ornamental Cabbage

  

  Maroon Kale

  

  Italian Stone Pine

  
  

EarthWorks Experts Are Here to Help

EarthWorks is uniquely positioned to provide our clients the best plants and flowers for every season due in large part to our wholly-owned greenhouses. We have very few limitations as to what we can grow year-round and are thrilled to pass that benefit along to our clients and their landscapes. We are available and ready to help with your winter landscaping maintenance as we enter our quieter months. In fact, clients who schedule winter projects may receive better pricing. If there is a project you have in mind, now is a great time to reach out!