Topic:
Landscape Design
When you’re in the middle of the freezing temperatures, biting winds and piling snow of a New England winter, spring landscaping may seem very far away. However, the winter months are actually an optimal time to begin creating a landscape design for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.
You’ll have the easiest time envisioning your landscape as a blank canvas when the trees are bare and the garden beds are dormant. During the wintertime, you’ll be better able to see the natural flow of your outdoor space, which can help you plan projects you’ve had on your wishlist — or even inspire new landscaping ideas you hadn’t considered.
That empty stretch of lawn? It’s easier to imagine replacing it with a walkway, pergola or water feature when you’re not faced with the prospect of ripping up lush green grass.
What about gaps in your current landscape? You’ll be able to more clearly pinpoint areas that would benefit from additional plantings when there aren’t full trees and blooming flowers to disguise them.
Or are you simply ready to give your existing landscape design a makeover? This is the perfect opportunity to see where you could add low-maintenance native plants or install new flower beds or borders to boost your home’s curb appeal — as well as your own personal enjoyment of your yard.
Unlike many other home improvement projects, landscape design is intrinsically tied to the calendar: Spring and summer are for building, planting and harvesting, while the fall requires maintenance and cleanup in preparation for next season. If you miss any of these windows, you’re out of luck until next year.
Winter, however, offers a pause in this annual cycle. During this time, there’s much less pressure to conduct a site analysis, test your soil type, make your plant selections and install your new beds than when planting season is quickly approaching. When you’re not racing against nature’s clock, you’ll be able to research your options more thoroughly and feel confident that you’re making the right choices for your home.
If you’re experimenting with new landscape design ideas, beginning a new project in the winter offers ample time to make revisions to your plan during the design process.
For example, is your front yard ripe for some sprucing up? You’ll want to select just the right types of plants to create a great first impression of your home. If you realize that spot you’ve been eyeing for a perennial peony bush would actually be a better placement for a cluster of annual zinnias, you’ll have plenty of time to make that change.
And taking advantage of this time can be especially helpful if you’re taking on a major landscape renovation project, like building a retaining wall or installing a patio to expand your outdoor living space.
Projects such as hardscapes require significant planning to complete properly, and can have labor-intensive tasks like leveling the ground and pouring concrete for a new foundation. They may also require additional professional expertise, such as from an excavator.
As soon as the first hint of springtime is in the air, landscape design companies are inundated with phone calls from homeowners itching to transform their yards. (Us included!)
During the winter months, on the other hand, landscapers have greater capacity to take on new projects. By creating your design in the winter, you’ll be ahead of the competition, ensuring that your project is at the top of their schedule. You’ll be able to start your project as soon as the temperature allows, giving you a head start on enjoying your landscape for the season.
During the winter, you’ll also have extra time to address potential issues your landscape company may identify during your consultation.
For example, you may learn that the new planting beds and trees you dreamed of would, once in the ground, be too close to your neighbor’s property line. Or, they can identify elements of your current yard that might impact your ideal project, such as the placement of an existing in-ground irrigation system.
This expertise is invaluable, and their knowledge can help you make informed decisions without the pressure of the imminent planting time just around the corner.
And regardless of the specific project you’re undertaking, any homeowner can benefit from the design tips honed throughout years of professional experience.
Finally, designing your landscape plan during this time also can be a money-saving move. Some landscape design companies may offer special promotions for projects booked early in the season.
At Moodscapes, we sometimes offer limited-time discounts for early-season bookings. If you’d like to learn more about what offers we may have available, you can contact us at info@moodscapesdesign.com or (781) 488-3200.
Beyond the potential professional savings, you’ll have more time to shop for materials, allowing you to watch for deals and comparison-shop. During the winter, garden centers and online retailers won’t be inundated with orders like they are just a few short months later. This also can allow for more timely delivery of the supplies for your landscaping project, and reduce the potential for product errors.
Designing your landscape during the winter isn’t just smart — it’s a chance to make your vision for your outdoor space flawless. The extra breathing room the season affords means you can explore different layouts and design elements, select plants and even incorporate new ideas without rushing your decisions.
By the time nature’s clock strikes spring, you’ll have a design you love, ready to come alive with the changing season.
For more information about the custom landscape design process, download our free ebook, Personalized Landscape Design: Why You Should Leave It to the Professionals.
To learn more about working with Moodscapes on a new landscape project, you can contact us here to schedule a free consultation. If you're still in the beginning stages of a new landscape project, or even considering if it's the right choice for you, that's ok! We'd still love to talk to you.
