Gardeners urged to plant 5 seeds in October for a colourful winter garden ‘worth admiring’ (Image: Getty)
Winter often takes a toll on , leaving them bare and lifeless due to chilly temperatures, limited sunlight, and heavy rain.
Yet, this season also offers a unique opportunity to showcase a different kind of beauty, if you used the autumn towards creating displays that will flower and take the spotlight in the middle of winter.
With the right selection of hardy and flowers planted at the right time, your garden can burst with colour even in the coldest months.
As interest in winter gardens continues to rise, with online searches soaring by 67 percent in recent months, Craig Wilson, founder of , shared his top five recommendations for adding life and vibrancy to your outdoor space.
Pansies
Planting pansy seeds by early October allows these resilient flowers to establish strong roots, ensuring they bloom just before the coldest days hit. Their array of bright hues—purple, orange, pink, and red—can revitalise any dreary winter landscape.
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Planting pansy seeds by early October allows these resilient flowers to establish strong roots (Image: Getty)
Violas
Violas bring cheerful blooms throughout winter, making them a delightful addition to your garden.
While standard varieties are best planted in spring, winter types can be sown now, either in beds or pots, to add vibrant colour wherever needed.
Snowdrops
As one of the first flowers to emerge, snowdrops can be planted from now until late autumn.
These hardy plants withstand frost and snow, providing a charming sight as they peek through winter’s white blanket, thriving even in cold conditions without the need for frost protection.
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Snowdrops withstand frost and snow (Image: Getty)
Cyclamen
This resilient perennial bursts into colour in late winter, often when other plants are dormant.
Plant tubers now through the end of October for stunning pink or white heart-shaped flowers, signalling that spring is on the horizon.
Carex morrowii
An evergreen sedge, Carex morrowii features attractive green leaves with yellow edges, perfect for adding winter interest.
As long as the ground isn’t frozen, you can plant this ornamental grass anytime during the colder months, but be sure to place it in a sunny spot to maximise its appeal.