Landscaping in the cold months

By Emma Peterson. 

Outdoor design tips for autumn and winter landscapes. 

As winter approaches, plants tend to die or go dormant. But just because the peak landscaping season is slowing down, doesn’t mean there isn’t outdoor work for your crews and teams! With the colder months come a variety of seasons and holidays that homeowners and businesses will want to prepare for!  

Getting started: General decorating and design rules 

Like most outdoor projects, you will want to work closely with your client to figure out what their goals are for the space and what their budget is. From there, make sure you have carefully measured your workable space and taken note of any fixed features of the landscape, such as patios, paths, mature trees, light posts, etc.  

Once you have your parameters (client goals, budget and the physical limitations of the space), it’s time to purchase hardscaping, landscaping, furniture and lighting options! As you do this, keep your budget in mind and make sure to prioritize the key elements such as  light fixtures and tablescapes. You should also consider the weather conditions these design elements will endure and choose accordingly. For example, if you are in a rainy area, weather-treated wood is necessary to avoid rotting!  

When it comes to staying within your budget, a great rule of thumb is to keep a cushion of about 10% of your budget. Marc Berman, the founder and editor-in-chief for Programming Insider, explained why this is important, sharing, “This cushion gives you peace of mind when unexpected costs arise, such as delivery fees or extra materials.” 

As for design style, it’s a good idea to help your clients look at the existing fixed features you identified as guiding forces. Marc explained, “Selecting a design style brings personality and structure to a space. Whether it's more of a modern, minimalist layout or a rustic charming space, the chosen style should complement the architecture of the home and the surrounding landscape.” 

Seasonal-specific suggestions 

From the warm tones of autumn to the cooler shades of winter, there is a lot of inspiration for outdoor design in nature itself. Take a look at a few of the popular design trends during the autumn and winter months. 

Autumn 

More than just pumpkin spice lattes, autumn trends are often about creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Lots of outdoor decor utilize warm tones and naturalistic elements (such as leaves and branches) to create a homey, comforting aesthetic. Here are some common elements used in autumn landscape displays:  

• Pumpkins/gourds 
• Winter pansies 
• Straw bales 
• Cornstalks 
• Colorful mums 
• Ornamental kales 

Winter 

Wintertime has often been related to a wonderland, and design trends often try to create that magic! From garlands along fences to lighting in the eaves, there is something magical about decorating for the winter. Unlike autumn, winter decorations often go one of two ways: Homegrown and DIY-ed or elegant and modern. Both are great options and use common elements such as:  

• String lights 
• Pinecones 
• Festive pots and planters 
• Ornaments 
• Poinsettias 
• Fresh-cut tree branches 
• Winterberries