The WoW Style

The flowers, trees and shrubs around your business can make it look great all year long, but there’s more to it than just putting some plants in the ground. To keep your outdoor space welcoming through all seasons, you want to make smart choices about what to plant and how to take care of it. 

Here are 3 helpful tips. 

Strategic Plant Selection 

You want to choose a variety of plants carefully if your landscape is going to stay appealing all year long. This not only keeps things looking fresh but also supports local biodiversity.

Research plants that thrive in your climate zone; group together those that have similar needs in terms of water and sunlight, which means better care and stronger growth.

For example:

• Spring: start with early bloomers like forsythia and crocuses, your first splash of color
• Summer: move on to tough ones like salvias or catmint that can handle the heat 
• Fall: keep the color coming with plants like Japanese anemone and goldenrod that bloom beautifully as the cooler weather sets in
• Winter: focus on structure and don’t forget evergreens like spruce or fir to maintain some green

Season-Specific Maintenance Practices

Tailoring your care to fit the season means your plants will handle the weather better and last longer, which is really important for keeping your landscape vibrant year-round.

Create a maintenance schedule that adjusts with the seasons, so you’re always on top of the specific needs.

For example:

• Spring: lay down some mulch to keep moisture in and weeds out
• Summer: water early in the morning to reduce evaporation
• Fall: rake up those leaves to prevent smothering your lawn and make space for planting new bulbs
• Winter: wrap up sensitive plants in burlap and give your evergreens a spray to prevent windburn and dehydration 

Integration Hardscape Features

Adding hardscape features means you’ve got some solid, year-round structure to your garden, which is really great for cutting down on the need for constant gardening.

Pick materials that are durable and fit the style of your place. And plan your pathways and walls to guide visitors and highlight the best spots of your garden.

For example:

• Pathways: a simple gravel path lined with boxwood hedges can lead visitors to a garden sculpture or fountain, offering structure and a destination no matter the season
• Retaining walls: build stone walls that do double duty as raised beds for seasonal plantings—functional and attractive
• Decorative elements: a pergola can support vines that change with the seasons, and it remains a striking feature in winter, especially if you string up some lights

So, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can make sure your landscape looks great all year round. It’s all about choosing the right plants, keeping up with the seasons, and adding those essential touches that keep things interesting.