When we think about beautiful gardens, our minds naturally drift to the height of summer—full borders, lush planting and long, warm evenings. But at Bowles & Wyer, we believe a well-designed landscape should offer something compelling in every season. Winter is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the most powerful opportunities to create atmosphere, structure and quiet beauty. With thoughtful design and the right plant palette, a garden can remain engaging long after the leaves have fallen.
Photo Credit: Eva Nemeth
Photo Credit: Eva Nemeth
Why Winter Matters
Gardens are typically designed for spring and summer impact, but the colder months shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought. Winter provides a chance to celebrate form, texture and subtle colour changes that can be just as captivating as July’s blooms. Strong structure—both planted and built—supports year-round value for clients, ensuring the landscape feels considered even in its most dormant phase.
At Bowles & Wyer, our approach is always to design across all seasons, creating landscapes that evolve, not disappear, through the winter months.
Planting for Winter Interest
Thoughtful plant selection is key to a dynamic winter landscape. Rather than relying solely on evergreen presence, we look at form, texture, silhouette and seasonal detail.
Design Philosophy and Collaboration
“Great landscapes come through collaboration”—a principle at the heart of Bowles & Wyer’s design process. Winter interest is a perfect example of this. By working closely with clients, we tailor designs to suit the way they use their outdoor spaces throughout the year, not just in summer.
In one recent project, we incorporated a delicate multi-stem birch grove, structural grasses and integrated lighting to ensure the garden felt alive even in midwinter. The result was a space that transformed with every season, offering crisp silhouettes and warm highlights during the coldest months.
Practical Winter Tips for Clients
Good winter design is supported by thoughtful maintenance. We often advise clients to consider:
- Late-autumn preparation such as mulching, clearing leaves and checking drainage.
- Protecting tender or young plants from frost.
- Light pruning of select shrubs to maintain structure.
- Refreshing containers with evergreens, winter bedding or sculptural shapes.
- Utilising lighting to bring depth and interest to the garden after dark.
These small steps help maintain the garden’s performance and aesthetic qualities in winter.
Looking Beyond the Peak Growing Season
Designing for winter is about seeing the garden as a year-round living space, not just a summer backdrop. Whether through expressive plant forms, thoughtful structure or sensitive lighting, winter offers its own quiet magic.
If you’re thinking about a garden redesign or want to improve your landscape’s performance through all seasons, we’d be delighted to help. Contact the Bowles & Wyer team to discuss how we can bring year-round beauty into your outdoor space.
November 10, 2025
