Even though they’re typically everyone’s favourite seasons in the Okanagan, a beautiful garden isn’t just for spring and summer! With the right planning, you can design a garden that shines through all four seasons. By selecting the right plants, arranging them thoughtfully, and considering the seasonal changes, you can enjoy a vibrant garden year-round. In today’s post, we’ll walk you briefly through some of the process of designing a garden that looks amazing every season, from spring to snowfall.
Spring & Summer: Color and Growth
Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and new life. The right plants in the right places can make your garden feel alive with color. Start by selecting early-blooming bulbs, such as Daffodils, Tulips, and Crocuses, which will provide bursts of color right after the snow melts. As these begin to fade, well-chosen perennials such as Salvia, Hostas, and others, will begin to grow in and fill your landscape with vibrant new life. As summer rolls in, the focus shifts onto plants that can handle the heat, like Daylilies, Lavender, and Sunflowers. Perennials like Peonies and Coneflowers are also great choices for long-lasting color. Remember to plant in layers—tall plants like sunflowers should be placed towards the back, with shorter flowers like lavender in the front to create a balanced, “staged” look. Mixing up the textures of the various plants in your garden can also help to provide interest and keep your landscape engaging, year-round.
Fall: A New Palette
Fall is a season where the world seems to shift to deep oranges, reds, and golds. Ensuring that your landscape contains fall-flowering plants such as Asters or Mums, or full-season bloomers like Russian Sage, Rudbeckia, or Blanketflower will help to guarantee colour until the frost hits. If you live in a cooler climate, consider planting trees like ornamental Maples or Oaks that display stunning autumn foliage. Fall is also the perfect time to plant bulbs for the spring, like Tulips and Daffodils, so you’re prepared for next year. Ornamental grasses are also usually at their best in the fall season, providing texture and movement to your fall garden, while evergreens will provide a lush green backdrop as other plants die back.
Winter Landscape Design
Even winter doesn’t mean your garden has to be devoid of color and interest. While most plants rest, there are still several options to keep your garden visually appealing. Evergreens such as Holly, Pine, and Spruce bring a green touch to your garden, while many different shrubs provide bright red or orange berries that contrast against the snow. Additionally, many grasses (if you don’t cut them back in the fall) retain their form and color during the winter months, giving your garden structure and texture, and various perennials can be left un-cut to stand as “winter interest” before being cut down in the spring. Consider incorporating hardscaping elements such as stone pathways, birdbaths, or sculptures that add visual interest when your plants are dormant.
Long-Term Planning: Seasonal Cycles
The key to a year-round garden is understanding how different plants perform throughout the seasons and planning accordingly. Think of your garden as a seasonal cycle. In the fall, plant bulbs for spring. In the spring, add hardy perennials that will bloom in the summer. During the summer, replace spent flowers with those that will bloom into fall. This kind of rotation ensures there’s always something blooming, and it keeps your garden looking fresh and vibrant throughout the year. Consider grouping plants with similar needs (sunlight, water, soil type) to make upkeep easier, and always mix textures to create depth and interest in every season.
Conclusion
Designing a garden that thrives all year round may take some planning, but it’s well worth the effort. By thoughtfully selecting plants that bloom in each season and incorporating textures and colors that shine year-round, you’ll create a dynamic and beautiful landscape. So, get creative, experiment with different plantings, and watch as your garden transforms into a beautiful outdoor space, no matter the season.
