Creating a garden may seem like a simple task but it can require a lot of planning and research. For example, in a previous blog we discussed how it’s important to understand what landscape you are working with (sun exposure, soil type, hardiness zone), and what plants work for those specific conditions in order to achieve a successful and flourishing garden. Although this guide is helpful for selecting the right plants for your landscape conditions it is not the only factor that should be taken into account when selecting plants. Often overlooked but should be considered during the planning phase is carefully selecting a diverse range of plants in order to give your garden seasonal interest year round. Gardens with year round interest guarantee that your garden will have colour, blooms and visual interest all year, even during the dormant season. Here is a breakdown of plants that provide visual interest for each season:
Spring:
Spring is known as the season for flowers, so it is no surprise that there is a wider variety of perennials, shrubs and trees that bloom during this period. And since spring is the season for beautiful blooms it’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage and include different varieties of flowering plants that provide blooms from early spring to early summer. There are so many options for spring blooms, here are some great options but the selection is not limited to this list:
Perennials:
Trees & Shrubs:
Summer:
Most herbaceous plants thrive and bloom in the summer months and some plants have long blooming periods which extend right into the fall season. Here are some great options but the plant selection is not limited to this list:
Perennials:
Trees & Shrubs:
Fall:
This is the time when homeowners close their gardens for the season, cutting the perennials down and wrapping their evergreens but autumn is the season of beautiful colours and scenery so why not keep the show going with your garden for added beauty? These late summer and autumn perennials will ensure that your garden will persist adding colour and interest until the very end.
Perennials:
Trees & Shrubs:
Winter:
The snowy season is when most of our plants become dormant and don’t produce foliage until the following spring, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve seasonal interest in your garden after the snow falls. Here is a list of plants that provide berries and other foliage to add colour and interest to your white winter landscape.
