A Snowy Wisconsin Landscape Is Your Blank Canvas

The festive season has passed, and for Wisconsin gardeners, the long wait for spring begins. But instead of seeing the months ahead as downtime, look at your snow-covered yard as a blank canvas.

Without the lush distraction of summer foliage, the "bones" of your landscape are revealed. The stark beauty of a Wisconsin winter offers the perfect opportunity to evaluate your design and plan for the year ahead.

Evaluate the "Bones"

Look out your window. Is there anything interesting to catch the eye beyond the white expanse? If your yard looks flat and barren, consider adding permanent structures that provide height and focus year-round:

• Pergolas and Arbors: These frame views and create focal points even when vines are dormant.
• Hardscaping: Stone walls, bold boulders, and patios add texture that stands out beautifully against the snow.
• Evergreens: They act as the structural walls of your garden, providing color when everything else is grey.

Add Winter Interest with Hardy Plants

In our USDA Zones (3-5), we rely on plants that are tough enough to survive the cold but beautiful enough to shine in it. Consider adding these Wisconsin favorites for their striking bark and form:

• Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea): A native shrub found in our wetlands, its brilliant red stems are breathtaking against fresh snow.
• River Birch (Betula nigra): The peeling, cinnamon-colored bark adds texture and warmth to the stark winter palette.
• Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia): Known for its unique, horizontal tiered branching, it creates an architectural silhouette that catches the snow in lovely layers.

Plan for Snow & Access

In Wisconsin, snow is a guarantee, so functionality must go hand-in-hand with aesthetics.

• Pathways: Are your paths defined and wide enough to shovel easily?
• Access: Can you reach essential areas like the bird feeder, grill, or compost bin without trudging through deep drifts?
• Windbreaks: If winter winds are scouring your yard, a strategic row of conifers can create a sheltered microclimate, making your outdoor space more comfortable year-round.

Dreaming of Spring

Winter is the ideal time to contact a landscape designer or sketch out ideas.

• Privacy: Does the lack of leaves expose your home to the street or neighbors? Plan for a mixed screen of evergreens and deciduous shrubs.
• Early Color: Plan to add Hellebores or native Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) to bridge the gap between the final snow-melt and the first spring bulbs.

Use this quiet time to "paint" your dream garden on the white canvas of winter. When the thaw finally comes, you'll be ready to bring that vision to life.