by Jennifer Langille
My garden began simply—a few clumps of orange daylilies by the driveway, bright against the green but humble in their beginnings. Over time, those first plants gave way to lush, sweeping beds that tell the story of years spent learning, experimenting, and growing. In many ways, the evolution of my garden reflects my own journey.
Like the garden, I’ve come to embrace each season for what it offers, and winter, with its quiet stillness, has become one of the most meaningful. Beneath its frosted surface, the garden—and life—reminds me that growth doesn’t stop just because it isn’t visible. Winter offers the chance to pause, reflect, and prepare for the beauty and possibility of what’s to come.
And while I’ve felt this quiet magic of winter in my own life, science backs up what gardeners have long understood—these seasonal rhythms are vital, not just for the garden, but for us as well.
Gardening reduces stress, fosters a sense of purpose, lowers the risk of developing dementia, and can even alleviate pain. As awareness around mental health grows and more people turn to gardening, finding ways to carry these benefits into the cold, quiet months of winter feels more important than ever.
One way to nurture this connection is to shift our perspective. Here in northern Nova Scotia, November through April can feel unrelentingly cold, drab, and damp. The chill seeps into your bones, and it’s tempting to retreat inward, waiting for spring’s return. Yet, even in winter, there’s beauty to be found if we open our eyes.
Watching birds feast on berries and seed heads left on perennial stalks, marveling at frost’s intricate designs on foliage, or noticing how textured bark glistens with frozen dew—all can bring moments of joy amid the darkness.
Designing a Winter Landscape
As gardens transition from summer’s splendour through autumn’s quiet decay to winter’s still simplicity, planning features that shine during the colder months will reward you for years to come. Take a look out the windows of your main living spaces and imagine how you might frame your view with elements that catch snow, frost, or the soft glow of low winter sunshine.
Begin with larger features such as trees and shrubs, both deciduous and evergreen. Think of varying heights, from the grand, towering horse chestnut with its scaly bark and dark red, sticky buds to a mid-sized star magnolia with its fuzzy, soft flower buds. Drooping branches of weeping cypress are captivating all year, but especially so after a dusting of snow. The striking, icy glow of blue spruce is available in columnar, globe, weeping, trailing and conical shapes, so they can be utilized in many areas of the landscape.
The Magic of Bark, Berries, and Form
In winter, the peeling, curling, or patterned bark of woody plants becomes an art form. Paper birch, with its pale pinkish, flaking bark, offers subtle beauty while providing food for birds through its catkins, which sparkle when encased in ice.
The miniature, apple-like fruits of roses and the rosette-shaped cones of larch are another winter treat for wildlife. Meanwhile, the pendulous branches of crabapple ‘Red Jade’ cast intricate shadows on frosted ground.
For bold, fiery color, consider red twig dogwood, whose stems seem to blaze against the silvery backdrop of birch.
The Value of Leaving Things Be
Once a staunch advocate for militant fall cleanup, I’ve learned the beauty and ecological value of leaving certain plants standing through winter. The pyramidal seed heads of purple coneflowers, rich with food for birds, and the flat flower clusters of Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ make excellent choices for winter interest.
The Grace of Grasses
Ornamental grasses provide structure and movement year-round. In winter, sturdy varieties that withstand wind and snow add drama and softness. Two reliable options are miscanthus and feather reed grass, both featuring fringed seed heads and tall golden stalks that stand strong through the season.
Anticipation of Blooms
And then, there are the blooms. How we crave the joyful colours of early crocus, glory-of-the-snow, and tulips after winter’s drab, sombre palette. The cheerful faces of pansies and the delicate petals of hellebores stir the heart, signalling that warmer days are near.
Non-Living Sources of Structure and Form
Plants aside, other elements that create drama in the winter landscape are permanent garden structures such as obelisks, statuary, benches, trellises and birdbaths. Often skirted with vegetation during the growing season, these objects are viewed with a fresh perspective when not surrounded by plants. They add personality to the garden, and provide weight and permanence in an otherwise vast and open winter landscape.
As I gaze out into the white, chilled landscape through the soft haze of winter light, I find peace in embracing a quiet yet alert mindset. Winter offers its own kind of beauty, one that invites us to pause, reflect, and dream of the seasons yet to come.
Spring will come, as it always does. Until then, the garden sleeps, and we wait—calm, patient, and ready to dig in once again.
2 Responses
Reading this brought on an immediate palpable sense of calm. I felt myself exhale, relax and wilt – sinking into the calm, sparkling wonder of the winter to come. Beautifully written Jen.
That is a gratifying response and I am glad you experienced that – thank you!