When we think of the winter garden we mightn’t be thinking of beautiful blooms and splashes of colour. But one of the best parts of living in a country with fairly mild winters is there a huge array of annual plants and flowers that bloom in the cooler months. Needing only a bit of extra watering and a little more attention in summer, these plants can actually be a part of your garden all year round.
What to plant
There are plenty of colourful, gorgeous winter plants suitable for our climate, known as ‘annuals’. Here are a selection best suited to autumn planting:
When to plant
Planting time is very important when it comes to certain varieties of plants best suited to winter, as they need to of reached maturity by the time the weather turns warm. The good news is, autumn isn’t too late, and planting at this time means you’ll also have the benefit of a more established looking garden this winter.
If you live in a climate known for harsh summers, this doesn’t mean your winter plants won’t be suitable, although if planting in the summer they will need daily watering if they haven’t reached maturity – older, more established plants will be more robust.
The best times for planting annuals tends to be autumn to early spring. It’s obviously quite cost effective to plant seeds over seedlings, but buying slightly older plants does mean your garden will be established more quickly.
Annuals need top quality, well-draining soil, that you can prep by adding compost or manure. Plant seeds/seedlings in rows and cover seeds with a light layer of soil before watering lightly.
The benefits
The above-mentioned flowers come in a range of dazzling colours and whilst they don’t necessarily flower year-round, during the winter, they can ensure your garden looks colourful and vibrant at a time when other varieties may be dormant. They can also live side by side with summer-flowering plants, meaning your garden will be balanced throughout the year.
A beautiful garden is one of the very best ways to give your home instant street-appeal, and is the first thing a visitor will notice.