Winter gardening

Many people feel that gardens are a warm weather activity and simply let them die away with the coming of winter. But with a plan, a little imagination and some hardy plants, we can have a striking and enjoyable garden all year round. 

An area with a southern facing exposure is of course best. But if you have an area that is somewhat sheltered from the hard bite of winter winds, you can have a place attractive to onlookers and can attract birds to your yard.

Ornamental grasses are a wonderful choice for a focal point in a winter flower bed. Many are prairie natives. Several varieties available are switch grass, which grows 4 to 5 feet, blue oat grass with a height of 3 feet or, if you have the room, Indian grass can reach 6 feet in height. These grasses bring texture and color interest during the whites and grays of winter. The sound of rustling stalks in the wind during the quiet of a winter day is quite nice.

Dwarf evergreens, holly bushes, and winter honeysuckle are a few choices. A myriad plants that offer color, visual contrast and even add spicy scents to the winter air. Look at other yards or fields you pass for examples of plants that thrive. 

Pansies are a good choice for fall planting to get some winter color. Flowering kale is another good choice for varied color.

A multitude of bulbs including crocus, daffodils, and snowdrops can bloom before winter has released its hold on the land. There even a few winter hardy vines out there. Winter seed catalogs are a good resource for what can handle our Zone 5 winters.

Well-drained soil is typically a must for the winter garden. Mulch is a good idea to help protect plant roots from changes in freezing and thawing weather. Sturdy globes or statues can add interest to a garden as can rocks or driftwood pieces. If planting spring and summer plants along with your hardy winter ones, try not to crowd evergreens. The lower part of the shrub or tree may be sparse from the crowding and that can affect how well it survives the cold weather.

For answers to your gardening questions, call the Clinton County Master Gardener Hotline at 816-539-3765.

Happy Gardening!

Tedra Parker

Master Gardener, Clinton County

University of Missouri Extension Center