Winter Garden Care: Keep Your Yard Attractive Through the Cold Months

Clean and Protect Hardscapes

Power-wash paths, decks, and fence bases regularly to prevent slimy green mold. In mild winters, mow the lawn but raise the blade height to avoid stressing grass.

Shield Container Plants

If displaying potted plants, watch forecasts and cover them with bubble wrap before freezes.

Add Lighting for Definition

Inexpensive path lights (push-in mushroom lamps) give the front yard structure and warmth on dark evenings.

Plant for Winter Interest

Evergreens: Include blue firs, bronze, yellow, silver, and variegated varieties. Don't forget berry-bearing hollies and rowans (mountain ash).
Winter Bloomers: Pink viburnum, winter honeysuckle, winter jasmine (fragrant), winter pansies, and winter heather provide color and scent.
Decorative Cabbages: Hardy cream and purple varieties add unique texture.
Early Bulbs: Snowdrops, daffodils, and crocuses emerge very early, signaling spring's approach.

Sell the Future

If your home is on the market, highlight the coming spring bulb display as a selling point.