Lack of winter Texture is something that separates seasoned designers from the rest. As far as plants are concerned, I like to use perennial Grasses like Feather reed "Karl Forester," dispersed or planted in groups of 3, 5 or 7 amongst evergreens to break things up. Evergreens tend to make the soil acidic so pay attention to the proximity to pines and mature sizes. Depending on the hardiness zone you are in broadleaf evergreens will help as well. Boxwoods, Yew, Wax Myrtle, ect.. Screen plantings give a sense of space like a Vanderwolf's Limber Pine, or Spartan Juniper without taking up much horizontal space. Lots of designers `forget to use vertical space with boulders or topography to create interest in a landscape. Using interesting bedlinens and alternating ground covers break up winter monotony as well. Red and Yellow Twig Dogwoods or paper birch have great color and texture without their leaves and bring color to the winter landscape. Lastly, picking a focal point that isn't seasonal would be one of my preferences. Not a Japanese Maple! Perhaps a pond less water feature, fire pit, or inviting heated space would make for the best winter or all year long space. I wouldn't forget to use Outdoor lighting as well; in the winter it is utilized the most and can really bring another life to your garden space.
In winter, I love embracing scents in the garden as an unexpected but welcome addition to the garden that not many landscaping experts focus on. I like placing scented plants by pathways, entrances and underneath window ledges so it can be properly experienced. Witch hazel is a gorgeous winter bloomer, sweet box and paper bush also have a lovely scent that catches in the crisp winter air. They are a great addition to a garden in cooler climates and makes stepping outside a more fun experience.
One winter garden cliche I see often is treating winter as a "pause button." People fill the space with evergreens and call it finished. Instead, we should focus on contrast and use. Winter gardens should highlight texture like bark, seed heads, and grasses. We should also feature subtle colors such as rusts, silvers, and deep purples, along with careful placement. A fire pit that is far from the house looks good in pictures but hardly gets used in January. By moving it closer, blocking the wind, and adding interesting winter plants around it, the garden can become a part of daily life again. The goal isn't to "decorate for winter" with the usual holly and pine cliches. It's to make the garden feel alive, layered, and inviting when everything else has gone quiet.
Winter gardens sometimes fall into some cliches that professionals generally steer clear of, because they don't age well or have real value. Thick layers of mulch mounded richly up around plants are a classic case: sure, it looks neat for a while, but it can end up holding water and causing rot — and leaving beds flat and lifeless. Another cliche is to dress up the garden with temporary decorations, such as seasonal planters or lights, to "carry" the garden through winter. Designers typically rely instead on structure — evergreen shrubs, ornamental grasses kept standing, hardscape elements that maintain their form when everything else goes dormant.
As the founder of WhatAreTheBest.com, I have extensively analyzed winter garden design principles and best practices. Winter garden professionals avoid using evergreens as the sole element to create structure in their designs. The winter garden becomes dull when all plants display identical coloration and surface characteristics. Designers achieve interest through the combination of bark color, dried seed heads, ornamental grasses, and hardscape elements that create visual contrast. The practice of using only red and green colors without any variation constitutes a significant error. The winter environment requires artists to incorporate silvers, bronzes, muted purples, and warm stone colors that reflect the dim light conditions. Fire pits become ineffective when positioned at distances that prevent people from using them during regular activities. Designers strategically place winter elements near building entrances and visible areas to create functional spaces. Winter gardens should prioritize creating spaces that combine various textures, close plant arrangements, and functional areas rather than adhering to traditional seasonal design principles. Albert Richer, Founder WhatAreTheBest.com
Winter gardens can be visually appealing during colder months, but common cliches in their design often stifle creativity. Relying heavily on traditional color schemes, such as red and green plants, can result in uninspired landscapes. Collaborating with gardening and landscaping experts can help identify these cliches and suggest alternatives, such as incorporating a broader color palette with winter-blooming plants and vibrant berries to enhance the garden's appeal.