One of My Winter Favorites

Let's face Winter is long and hard in Alberta! The endless months of snow, ice and freezing temperatures make it difficult for even the hardiest among us to envision the return of Spring. With Winter months comprising half the calendar, it makes sense when considering the process of landscape design to consider how it will look in the dead of Winter.

Winter landscape design is the process of creating and arranging outdoor spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and functional during the winter months. This type of landscape design focuses on incorporating elements that will provide visual interest, colour, and texture even when the landscape is covered in snow and ice. Winter landscape design may also include elements that serve practical purposes, such as paths and walkways designed to be safely navigable during winter weather.

Common elements in winter landscape design include evergreen trees and shrubs that provide year-round structure, as well as winter-blooming plants like hellebores, witch hazels, and snowdrops that provide colour and texture during the winter months. Decorative features such as bird feeders, birdhouses, and outdoor lighting can also play an important role in winter landscape design, helping to create a welcoming and inviting outdoor environment during the winter months.

Overall, winter landscape design is an important consideration for anyone looking to create an outdoor space that is beautiful, functional, and enjoyable during the winter months.

Karl Forester Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') is a species of feather reed grass that is widely used in landscaping and horticulture. It is known for its tall, upright growth habit and attractive feathery plumes that emerge in late spring and persist throughout the growing season. The foliage of Karl Forester is typically green, but it can turn golden yellow in the fall. This grass is drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soils, making it a popular choice for use in ornamental gardens, meadows, and other landscaping applications. It is also prized for its ability to provide structure and vertical interest in the garden, making it a valuable plant for creating a focal point or for filling in gaps in a mixed border.