See What’s Missing
“‘But nothing is blooming. How can we plan the new garden now?’ that is a question I hear when I promote meeting with a designer in the late fall and winter,” shares Peter Wimberg. “Truth is, flowers are the final touch in the garden’s over-all design. The most important elements for a successful landscape are the hardscapes, trees and shrubs as well as the shape and size of the garden beds.”

This time of year is ideal for seeing what is lacking in the landscape. Does the garden have focal points? Do the garden beds complement the home and offer ample room for planting? Do trees and shrubs add winter interest or is the landscape unforgettable? Lighting is also key. When the days are dark, it’s a wonderful feeling to arrive home after work to a landscape accentuated with lighting.

“Once we see how the structure of the new landscape will develop with hardscapes, trees and shrubs, we then look at how perennials, and some annuals, can complete the garden’s need for a variety of colors, textures and shapes,” Peter reveals.

Timing
We are already booking into early spring for some installations. If we are able to meet with a client now, we can finalize plants, schedule the teams and get the materials on hand and start the project in time for summer in the gardens.

Starting from Scratch
“Clients that are interested in adding a new garden to their landscape would do well to meet with us now,” Peter stresses. “Let’s say a client wants to ditch their lawn and turn the entire front landscape into a garden. Now is a good time to start such a project.”

There may be a lot of new plants to add to the landscape with such a project, and there’s sure to be a lot of editing, too. Unhealthy limbs, or entire trees may be removed as well as oversized shrubs. The walk will be evaluated for ease of movement and complementary lines. Hardscape accent pieces may be added for winter interest and to divide the space into visual blocks. And of course shrubs will be selected and placed, at least on paper, to see how the garden will look in the winter. Then we can move forward with selecting perennials.

Peter reminds clients that, “There’s a lot to consider when starting a new design or renovating an existing landscape. We can get the design and planning wrapped up this winter so when spring comes we are ready to move.”