Generally, it’s the summer and spring garden that gets the most attention, with the explosion of blooms, the shade of greenery, and the amazing weather fit for outdoor dining and lounging. But there’s no reason to overlook winter garden ideas. At this time of year, the beauty of an outdoor space can be breathtaking, if it’s designed well.

Here are 4 tips to enhance your winter wonderland

Create Structure with Grasses

Ornamental grasses are a beautiful addition to the winter garden, offering soft texture, movement, and varying heights. Use it to frame a pathway, along the back of a border, or as a subtle screen between beds.

Most grasses need little water and are very hardy in the winter, able to withstand harsh, snowy conditions.

Plant Winter Blooms/Evergreens

You might be surprised at how many options there are when it comes to winter-blooming plants.

Hellebores, Sedum, Witch Hazel, and Winter Irises are just a few beautiful winter-blooming perennials. Along with blooming plants, there are Evergreens, which add real interest and structure to a garden using green trees, shrubs, and hedges. They handle the heat and cold extremely well which helps provide color year-round in your landscape.

Add Some Light

Winter can be very drab. Thankfully, we have a solution. Adding some lighting to structures around your landscape can provide color and dimension you didn’t have in a barren winter landscape. Don’t be afraid to incorporate colors, especially during the holidays, but avoid going over the top with multi-colored lights.

Bring in Wildlife

Winter lets you see and appreciates birds (and other wildlife) in a whole new way. A cardinal’s bright red feathers or the quick movements of a squirrel in a tree seem to stand out in a snowy scene. Make sure to include plants that offer berries or seeds for birds, like Chokecherry’s, Dogwoods, and Serviceberry’s are all great bird-loving plants.  Dense trees and shrubs such as evergreens provide shelter from the elements for your feathered friends.