Winter Backyard Design Plans

The snow is higher than I want to look at but I have to admit the view from the window over the backyard is breath taking. The snow is sparkling on the branches and the reflections in the Conewango Creek add charm and mystery to the day. It’s a great view from indoors where it’s warm.

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Winter is a perfect time to make new plans for your backyard oasis.

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• Do you need a fresh look to the patio or deck?

• Have your children grown and the play areas need to be redone?

• Would new plants, shrubs and trees add more of a feeling or relaxation to your yard?

Without the added chores of mowing, picking up sticks, weeding or many of the other backyard chores, this is the perfect time to sit down with paper and pen and plan changes for the backyard.

I like to start with small changes, usually the least expensive plans and branch out after that.

January is the perfect month for selection new flowers, perennials and herb varieties. I like to order my seeds and plants as soon as I can so the selection is still available.

Next I think about my shrubs and trees. Do any need removed or replaced. Would I like to try a new flowering shrub or a smaller tree?

I know I need to remove one damaged shrub and one tree. I also want to replace a peach tree that suffered from blight and died.

So I will check out Seeds of Change, Richters and Pinetree Seed catalog. These are a few of my favorite places to order from. Tip: see if your friends also want to order and share seed packets or shipping costs.

I also want new gourd varieties and some heirloom tomato seeds.

When making changes in your backyard its best to look at what worked and any changes you want and go from there.

I like to keep a backyard garden journal of my plants, hardscape and how we use the yard. This helps me with my planning.

 

Tips: If you are planning to install a chain link garden fence, make it strong enough to survive tough weather of winter season.

One area I have overlooked is the backyard in the winter. There are shrubs and trees that will add color and interesting lines and by setting up a patio area you can use it a little more, even in my cold zone 5 climate. Varieties of hardscape landscaping also add interest in the winter months.

And the addition of coldframes, a mini greenhouse or workshop will add more use and interest to your backyard in the winter months.

If you are planning on large backyard projects this is the time to start making you plans and contacting anyone you need fro contracting and prices before the busy season starts and you left behind.

I find planning and designing the backyard takes my mind off the cold and gets me ready for the upcoming gardening season and changes I would like to make in the backyard