As the weather turns colder and winter approaches, there’s no reason your outdoor spaces can’t still shine with beauty and style. Outdoor winter arrangements are a fantastic way to infuse your garden with color, texture, and delightful scents throughout the colder months. Switching up your planters with a mix of winter greenery creates a layered aroma and an eye-catching display that brightens the dreariness of winter.
What’s Your Style?
When it comes to outdoor winter arrangements, there are plenty of styles to suit your taste:
- Minimalist: Keep it simple and impactful with a single focal point and one or two types of winter greenery. A minimalist arrangement can make a bold statement while still feeling sophisticated.
- Shaggy Chic: Go wild with longer-needled greenery such as White Pine, Port Orford Cedar, or Leyland Cypress. This carefree, untamed look is perfect for adding a relaxed charm to your outdoor space.
- Classic: For a timeless, festive feel, mix long and short-needled greenery like fir, pine, and cedar. This style brings a traditional Christmas vibe and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Choosing the Right Greenery
There’s no shortage of beautiful winter greens to choose from. Here are some top picks to get you started:
- Boxwood/Oregonia: These compact, upright branches add rich color and texture. Their strong scent and sturdy shape make them perfect for the center of an arrangement.
- Spruce: While prickly, spruce branches offer an amazing scent. Use them in the lower layers of your arrangement for a bold, standing effect.
- Cedar: With soft, feathery needles and a lovely citrus scent, cedar is a must-have for any winter arrangement. Its free-flowing nature makes it ideal for use throughout the display.
- Firs: Fraser fir and balsam fir are classic choices with dense needles and excellent needle retention. Silver and Noble firs offer two-toned colors and a stunning citrus scent, perfect for creating a standout winter arrangement.
- Juniper: Known for its dark blue to purple berries, juniper brings a pop of color and texture to the middle layers of your arrangement while delivering a familiar Christmas scent.
Adding Texture and Interest
For some extra flair, consider including the following elements:
- Magnolia Tips: Southern magnolia leaves with their rich dark green tops and brown undersides make a dramatic addition to any winter arrangement. They’re cold-tolerant and sturdy, perfect for the upper center of your display.
- Eucalyptus: This classic greenery, available in various shades or dyed colors, brings a pop of color and a signature scent to your arrangement. Use it to tie your color theme together.
- Salal: Although less common, Salal’s large light green leaves add an elegant texture that complements any winter arrangement.
Making a Statement
To add height, color, and drama, try incorporating these bold features:
- Dogwood Branches: Red dogwood is a popular choice, but new varieties like Yellow Twig, Cardinal Pink, and Arctic Fire offer a unique color pop. Use these in the center for height and a statement.
- Birch Stems: White birch or river birch stems add striking visual interest. River birch is particularly resistant to pests, making it a smart choice for winter displays. Use them in the center for height and impact.
- Curly Willow: These soft, long curly stems bring texture and movement to any arrangement. Their yellowish tone adds another dimension to your winter display.
- Ilex Berries: Large clusters of red berries from the deciduous holly plant create a classic winter look. For a twist, look for the rarer orange Ilex varieties.
Add Your Signature Piece
Finally, put your personal touch on the arrangement with a standout piece. Whether it’s a large sugar cone, a cluster of outdoor ornaments, or a classic bow, this final touch can elevate your outdoor winter arrangement and make it uniquely yours.
With these ideas and tips, your garden will remain a vibrant and welcoming space, even during the coldest months. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Landscape Plus for help with your winter arrangements. We specialize in creating stunning outdoor displays that will have your garden looking beautiful all season long.
