Get Your Landscape Winter-Ready: Trade Summer Blooms for Hardy, Cold-Weather Plants

With the end of summer comes cooler weather, the perfect excuse to start transitioning your garden. Saying goodbye to those vibrant summer blooms that brought so much life to your outdoor spaces is a bittersweet moment. But as the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to consider what’s next for your landscape.

Your commercial property’s landscaping should change with the seasons, just like everything else around it. As summer fades, it’s perfect to trade out those sun-loving blooms for tougher plants that can brave the frost. Seasonal landscape maintenance is essential to keep your property healthy, thriving, and looking sharp.

Start Thinking About Winter Color

Winter can seem pretty gray, but it’s actually a fantastic time to play with colors. Without the distractions of summer foliage, your landscape choices really shine. So, why not take advantage of it? Add some beautiful and fragrant pop of color to your winter landscape. While a colorful landscape is always lovely, balance is key. Too many colors can look overwhelming rather than inviting. Here’s your guide to creating a landscape that “pops” from a distance:

• Lighter shades, like yellow or white, are your prime go-to’s: These hues show detail much better than their darker counterparts. In fact, yellow is the first color the human eye picks up! A bed of bright yellow pansies will be an instant head-turner.
• Use dark shades strategically: Darker colors, such as deep purples or blues, work best as borders around lighter plants. This framing effect makes lighter colors stand out even more.
• Keep it simple: Less is often more. Stick to a palette of two to three colors max to avoid overwhelming the eye. 

Time to get Planting

Many people are surprised that fall is a fantastic time to plant, right up there with spring. The cooler temperatures, shorter but brighter days, and steady rainfall create a perfect setting for new plants to settle in and become part of your landscape. 

Essentially, it’s important to identify which cold-hardy plants can withstand our region’s winter weather. Here are some tried-and-true, cool-weather annuals to replace your tired summer flowers, ensuring your landscape stays vibrant and colorful through both fall and winter. 

• Pansies: Bursting with vibrant and cheerful colors, pansies are perfect for adding a touch of brightness to your garden during the colder months. Their hardy nature makes them an excellent choice for fall and winter landscapes.
• Dianthus:  Often known as “carnation” or “pinks, these hardy perennials come in a range of colors, including pinks, reds, and whites, making them versatile for any winter garden palette. Not only do they withstand chilly weather, but their compact growth habit and evergreen foliage also offer year-round appeal.
• Ornamental Cabbage and Kale: These robust plants bring rich textures and deep greens to your garden, thriving even in chilly weather. Their unique foliage adds a distinctive charm and visual interest to any landscape design.
• Dusty Millers: Featuring striking silvery-gray leaves, Dusty Millers create a beautiful contrast with the rich colors of other fall plants. They add depth and sophistication to your garden, enhancing your fall and winter displays with subtle elegance.
• Leyland Cypress Shrubs: These evergreen shrubs provide height and texture and look great in pots or on the ground. At around two feet tall, they bring that classic wintery touch.

By selecting hardy plant species, incorporating hardscape elements like raised garden beds or decorative planters, and adding seasonal accents, like evergreens for winter color or ornamental grasses, your garden will be a breathtaking spectacle all year long.

Interested in Seasonal Planting for Your Property?

Looking to give your property a fall makeover with beautiful flowers? Our knowledgeable team is ready to guide you in choosing the best plant varieties to help you navigate the fall changeout seamlessly. Thanks to our very own greenhouses, we have the flexibility to grow what we need all year long, which means we can offer a wide variety of options tailored to your North Texas landscape’s specific needs. 

Contact us today, we’re ready to schedule a walk-through of your space and offer a free estimate of our services.