How Thoughtful Landscape Design Keeps You Connected to Nature Year-Round

Many of us feel the weight of winter’s gloom at this time of the year. The shorter days, absent foliage, and chill, damp air push us indoors. This disconnect can affect our moods, energy levels, sleeping patterns, and even our social behaviors. The time between January and March feels particularly long, with the joy of the holidays behind us and spring yet to arrive.

Shorter, greyer days mean our brains produce more melatonin, which makes us sleepy. The short days also mean we’re producing less serotonin, which helps to regulate our moods and, with melatonin, our energy levels.

One common practice recommended by health professionals to combat these adverse effects is to spend more time outside. But what do you do when your landscape leaves you feeling as dull and dreary as these short, grey days? This is where the power of great design comes into play, empowering you to take control of your outdoor space and well-being.

Designing for Winter Enjoyment

A well-designed landscape isn’t just about splashes of color and epic barbecues—it’s about creating a space that can bring joy and a deep connection to nature in every season. When planned thoughtfully, your outdoor space can remain a source of beauty, inspiration, and function, even on the coldest days, offering a beacon of hope and optimism.

1. Winter-Resilient Plants

While many trees and perennials go dormant, that doesn’t mean your landscape has to look barren. Evergreens provide structure and a rich contrast against winter skies, while ornamental grasses add movement and texture. Berry-producing shrubs like winterberry holly and viburnum bring vibrant pops of color and attract birds, adding life to your yard when you need it most. Woody plants with exfoliating or papery bark add unique texture and striking structure with their branches. Cedric Pollet’s gorgeous book, Winter Gardens: Reinventing the Season, is a magnificent source of inspiration and outlines these ideas in detail.

2. Outdoor Structures & Shelter

A well-placed pergola, pavilion, or even a covered porch extends the usability of outdoor spaces into winter. Add a fire feature—a built-in fireplace, a simple fire pit, or a gas-powered heater—to create a cozy retreat where you can sip a warm drink and enjoy the crisp air. Windbreaks, such as hedges or privacy walls, can also help block the harshest breezes, making your outdoor space more inviting.

3. Lighting for Ambience & Safety

The early darkness of winter can make outdoor spaces feel unwelcoming. Even so, a strategic lighting plan can completely transform the atmosphere. Soft, warm-toned lighting along pathways, uplighting on trees, and decorative lanterns create a welcoming glow. Combine these with fire features, and you’ll have the coziest combination possible, allowing you to enjoy your yard long after the sun sets.

4. Wildlife Attraction

Birdsong and movement can bring a sense of life to your garden, even in the depths of winter. Adding bird feeders, heated birdbaths, or native plants that provide food and shelter can encourage songbird visits, giving you a reason to look outside and engage with nature daily. Any option to bring life into your yard is an option that can reinvigorate the way you connect with the space.

Reconnect With Nature in Every Season

Winter doesn’t have to be a time of disconnection. With thoughtful design elements, your outdoor space can remain a source of comfort, beauty, and engagement year-round. Instead of waiting for spring, consider how your landscape can work for you now. By offering spaces to gather with loved ones, moments of quiet reflection, and an ever-present connection to the natural world, it provides a sense of calm and peace.

When your landscape is designed for all seasons, winter becomes less about enduring and more about embracing. Contact Frisella Landscape Group today to create a landscape that elevates your space and makes a lasting impression through every moment of the year.