Winter Plans

©2010 begin with a Sunny Outlook

As you wait for the arrival of spring, plan now for the things you want to get accomplished in your yard this year.

The beauty of a freshly fallen snow decorates our yards

WINTER IS THE SEASON FOR planning, and planning is a big part of outdoor living. Our outdoor spaces, projects, and gardens don’t just magically happen. A thoughtful well-functioning outdoor design takes time to create. After you have a concept for a project, it then needs to be developed into a realistic plan that will have the look, feel, and size that you are envisioning. And there are some projects that you may want to have more than one scenario from which to choose.

The winter season is the time when all those catalogues start arriving in the mail for the coming warmer seasons. Catalogues for outdoor furniture, tools, and garden accessories, seed and plant catalogues, warm weather clothing catalogues, and so on. Also, many major cities host home and garden expos during the winter, where companies feature their products to help inspire ideas for your upcoming projects. All these companies know that this is the time of year when people are planning and looking ahead.

Now is also a good time to think about how much enjoyment you are getting from your yard during the winter. There are a few things that you can do to add visual interest to the winter landscape. There are trees that have papery, peeling bark (birch trees, paper bark maple), and trees and shrubs with long lasting red berries for winter appeal, that will also attract birds and other wildlife. Evergreens will provide needed color, and the presence of garden sculptures will enhance the appeal and mood of your yard. Using outdoor accent lighting will provide more enjoyment in any season. You can plan now for these projects by gathering ideas, photos, and product and plant information. Then complete the project(s) during the coming spring and summer seasons. Doing these types of projects will help provide year round interest for you.

Those who greatly anticipate climbing into a warm down jacket, thermal mittens, and a pair of insulated boots, may not be looking that far ahead just yet, though. Many people love the great outdoors this time of year for the snow covered scenery, the skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, for snowmen and sledding, and for walks in a falling snow.

For those who anxiously await the warmer temperatures, the warmer weather may seem like a distant dream, right now. For those folks, it may be beneficial to remember the old adage that keeping busy makes the time pass quickly. Having a special interest, goal, or project may help us through the colder months and ward off a case of cabin fever. Build a planter box, take a dancing class with your husband, learn a second language, visit folks who are homebound, paint winter landscapes, volunteer for the kids’ spring soccer teams, sign up for a photography class, feed the birds, or exercise.

The season of winter lasts approximately 90 days! There’s a lot to get done. And remember to enjoy the journey.