Braving the Brisk Breeze: Gardening Through the Seasons
As the temperatures start to dip in Aberdeen, UK, many gardeners may be tempted to pack up their trowels and call it a day until spring. But not me! I’m a firm believer that a garden can and should provide year-round interest, even in the chillier months. And I’m here to share my favorite cold-tolerant plants that will keep your outdoor oasis looking lush and vibrant, no matter the weather.
You see, I’m the proud owner of a small but mighty two-acre plot in northwest Oregon, and I’ve honed my green thumb over the years to create a space that’s beautiful and bountiful 365 days a year. Of course, the summers are when my garden truly shines, with a riot of colorful blooms and lush foliage. But I take just as much pride in the way it transforms during the winter months.
While our friends down south in SoCal may only have to contend with a “cool” season, we Pacific Northwesterners know that our winters can be a bit more, shall we say, invigorating. But that just means we have to get a bit more creative when it comes to keeping our outdoor spaces looking their best. And let me tell you, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.
Evergreen Elegance: Shrubs That Shine
One of the keys to maintaining year-round interest in the garden is to incorporate plenty of evergreen shrubs. These stalwart plants hold their leaves (or needles!) throughout the year, providing a reliable backbone of color and texture even when the deciduous trees and perennials have gone dormant.
Take, for example, the stunning Arbutus ‘Marina’. This tree-like shrub boasts glossy, evergreen foliage and clusters of delicate, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in the winter months. And let’s not forget about the Grevilleas – these drought-tolerant beauties hail from Australia and come in a range of vibrant hues, from the fiery ‘Scarlet Sprite’ to the more subdued ‘Penola’.
But it’s not just the flowers that provide winter interest. The foliage of many evergreen shrubs can be just as captivating. The Brachyglottis, for instance, boasts silvery-green leaves that shimmer in the low winter sun, while the Cupressus bakeri ‘Lutea’ (also known as the “Goldcrest” cypress) sports a stunning golden hue that really pops against the dreary backdrop of the season.
Bulbs and Blooms: Springing into Action
Of course, evergreen shrubs aren’t the only way to bring a touch of life to your winter garden. Bulbs and other early-blooming perennials can also be a fantastic way to add a burst of color and fragrance when you need it most.
Take, for example, the humble daffodil. While these cheerful flowers may be the harbingers of spring in many gardens, they can actually be coaxed into bloom much earlier in the right conditions. In my own garden, I’ve had luck with varieties like ‘Avalanche’ and ‘Pencrebar’, which start poking their sunny heads through the soil as early as January.
And let’s not forget about the delightfully fragrant Sarcococca (also known as sweet box). This low-growing evergreen shrub may not offer much in the way of showy blooms, but its tiny, white flowers pack a powerful punch of vanilla-tinged perfume that wafts through the garden, making even the coldest winter day feel a little warmer.
Of course, these are just a few of my favorite cold-hardy plants that can add year-round interest to your garden. There are countless other options, from the tall, graceful grasses of Oklahoma Proven fame to the jewel-like blooms of the Scilla peruviana.
Staying the Course: Tips for Winter Gardening
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Tamara, surely even the hardiest of plants can’t withstand the blustery winds and frosty temperatures of an Aberdeen winter!” And you’d be right – there are certainly some limits to what can thrive in our neck of the woods. But with a little preparation and some strategic planting, you can absolutely create a garden that keeps on giving, even when the mercury starts to drop.
One of the keys is to choose plants that are specifically adapted to our cool, maritime climate. While a SoCal garden might struggle to survive our damp, chilly winters, the right mix of cold-tolerant perennials, evergreen shrubs, and hardy bulbs can create a lush, inviting outdoor space that’s a delight to behold.
And don’t forget – sometimes the true beauty of a winter garden lies in the subtleties. While a summer landscape might dazzle with bold, showy blooms, the muted tones and delicate textures of the colder months can be just as captivating, if you know where to look. The silvery foliage of a Senecio, the intricate seed heads of grasses, the jewel-like berries of a Symphoricarpos – these are the little details that can transform a dreary winter day into a true work of art.
So, whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting to dip your toes into the world of cold-weather gardening, I encourage you to embrace the challenge. With the right plant palette and a bit of creativity, you can transform your ABC Home & Garden into a year-round oasis of color, fragrance, and delight. After all, what’s the point of a garden if it can’t bring you joy in every season?
