As winter approaches, landscape designers ramp up their efforts to ensure gardens thrive come spring. In December, professionals take strategic steps to prepare gardens, setting the stage for a successful growing season in 2024. This period is not merely a pause; it is an essential time for planning, pruning, and protecting plants from harsh winter conditions.
December is pivotal for Tim Johnson, President of Tim John Landscaping in Statesville, North Carolina. He emphasizes the importance of getting a head start on spring preparations. “We take the winter time to set up for spring success, getting the leaf clean-up done, getting the mulching done, making sure the beds are clean ahead of time,” Johnson explains. By tackling these tasks early, he ensures that his team is not scrambling when the spring rush arrives.
Leaf Management is a critical focus for Johnson during this time. In manicured shrub borders, he removes leaves to maintain cleanliness, while in more natural garden areas, he incorporates leaves for insulation. This dual approach balances aesthetics and plant health, providing necessary protection for various plant types.
Johnson also highlights the significance of winter plant care. He advises against heavy fertilization during the frosty months but recommends applying horticultural oils and bio-stimulants to keep plants healthy. “Growth is a year-round thing,” he notes, emphasizing that even in winter, plants require attention. The horticultural oils not only help manage pests but also aid in moisture retention for leaves.
Planning for Spring
In Culpeper, Virginia, landscape designer Dave Marciniak of Revolutionary Gardens uses December to encourage clients to start planning their gardens. “This is a great time of year for working with a landscape designer,” he says, noting that early preparation allows for a smoother transition into spring.
Marciniak also points out that winter is an ideal time for relocating woody plants. He advises homeowners to move deciduous trees and shrubs while they are dormant, as this minimizes shock. However, he cautions against moving broadleaf evergreens after Halloween, as they are more likely to suffer damage from winter conditions.
Diagnosing drainage issues becomes easier during winter months, according to Marciniak. The absence of foliage allows for clear visibility of water retention problems in the landscape. “It’s the perfect time to identify those problem areas,” he notes, facilitating effective solutions before spring rains.
Additionally, winter presents a prime opportunity to enhance outdoor lighting, making it easier to install fixtures without the interference of lush foliage. This strategic planning during the dormant season can significantly improve the aesthetics of gardens come spring.
Protection and Creativity
In Wisconsin, Erin Schanen, known as The Impatient Gardener, adopts a different winter prep strategy that emphasizes protection and design. Schanen has reduced her fall clean-up efforts significantly, leaving seedheads and stems intact for wildlife and winter interest. “It gives me something to look at in winter,” she shares, while also noting that it simplifies spring cleanup.
Protecting young trees from winter-hungry animals is a top priority for Schanen. She uses cages and repellents to safeguard her plants against deer and rabbits. Additionally, she takes measures to shield tender shrubs by encasing them in leaves for insulation. “Cold protection is a really big thing,” she emphasizes, particularly in harsh climates.
Even in freezing conditions, Schanen stresses the importance of winter watering. On milder days, she waters sensitive evergreens to prevent dehydration, ensuring their health through the winter months. After completing hands-on tasks, she shifts her focus to garden design, utilizing the quiet winter months to contemplate and analyze her landscape. “There’s no better time to analyze the structure in a garden than winter,” she explains.
For Schanen, winter serves as a creative season. She often travels to warmer climates to gather inspiration, visiting gardens like the Naples Botanical Garden in Florida. These visits help her recharge and consider new design ideas for her own garden.
In conclusion, December proves to be an essential month for garden preparation, not just for professionals but for homeowners as well. The focus shifts from maintenance to strategic planning, ensuring a beautiful and low-stress garden in spring. By taking proactive steps now, gardeners can enjoy the fruits of their labor throughout the year, setting themselves up for a successful growing season ahead.
