Landscaping for winter appeal

Here in Australia we can’t complain of winters anywhere near as cold as the Northern Hemisphere, however June through to August can still get pretty chilly. The cold weather and potential for rain can keep us bundled up indoors, forgetting about the maintenance of the garden. Follow these ultimate winter landscaping tricks for Adelaide gardens to ensure your outdoor space remains vibrant and enticing. 

First of all, before focusing on plant life or materials in the garden, if you intend to use your space for entertaining in winter you will likely want to look at your heating options. An open or combustion fire is a hearty choice, although care will need to be taken to ensure there are no flammable plants in the near vicinity. A steady supply of firewood is another consideration that is often overlooked. This can be a costly source of heat if you do not have your own infinite supply of wood. More common and more efficient are electric or gas heaters. These can be switched on at the press of a button, which is more practical in the frantic running around before guests arrive. The range of heat may not be as widespread as a fire; however a couple of standing devices or well-situated wall mounted variations will do the job. 

Once you’re sure the area will be nice and warm, it is time to think about the plants that will make up your garden. While most plants are in their prime in spring and summer, and autumn can see the foliage turn a brilliant shade of red, winter tends to be a little bit dull. During this time of year, deciduous trees have shed their leaves and the garden can look bare. For this reason, it is wise to think ahead and plant some evergreen trees in a number of vibrant colours. Also keep an eye out for winter flowering plants, such as cyclamens and some roses. Natives like grevillea and wattle are can also inject a winter colour burst. All of these plants need as much sun as possible, which is in short supply during the winter months. The best bet of survival is by placing plants in a prime northern position, as there is a low sun in this direction throughout the day. 

Wood and natural elements that add visual warmth should be favoured over colder materials. Substances such as metal and glass both look and feel cold to the touch and so guests are likely to look to head inside. Always ensure that timber is properly finished and regularly varnished to prevent damage from the rain. You may want to consider drop down materials to surround an outdoor dining area so that harsh wind can be blocked out. Trees can also provide valuable weather protection. 

For the ultimate winter entertainment, some couples choose to incorporate a stylish hot tub into their outdoor design. This steaming pool is sure to instantly warm up your guests, and provides the perfect spot from which to admire the rest of the garden. For more original landscaping concepts in Adelaide, visit the website of The Worx Landscaping at http://theworxlandscaping.com.au/.