Winter Interest Landscaping: Plants and Features That Look Great All Season

Image ©Copyright  / Landscaping done by Barrow Landscapes

When the Midwest winter sets in, many landscapes can feel bare and gray. But with the right planning, your yard doesn’t have to lose its appeal once the temperatures drop. Winter interest landscaping focuses on plants, textures, and features that bring beauty, structure, and color—even in the coldest months. Ask your trusted local landscaping company what would work best with your space. Here are some ways to create a landscape that looks alive all Winter long.

Evergreen Trees and Shrubs

Evergreens are the backbone of winter landscapes. Their deep green tones stand out beautifully against snow, and they provide structure when everything else has gone dormant. Consider adding:

• Boxwoods for foundation plantings.

• Spruce or pine trees for height and privacy.

• Holly bushes with bright red berries for a pop of color.

Ornamental Grasses

Grasses aren’t just for summer. When left standing, their feathery plumes and golden tones add movement and texture to winter landscapes. Popular choices include:

• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) for upright structure.

• Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’) for tall, dramatic silhouettes.

• Little bluestem for rich coppery hues in winter.

Trees and Shrubs with Winter Color

Some softscape plants offer more than just leaves—they bring vibrant stems, bark, or berries that brighten up gray days:

• Red twig dogwood with striking red stems.

• Birch trees with peeling white bark.

• Crabapple trees that hold onto colorful fruit into winter.

Hardscape Features That Shine in Winter

Plants aren’t the only way to create beauty in winter. Well-designed hardscapes add interest when greenery fades. Ideas include:

• Stone retaining walls that look stunning against snow.

• Pergolas or arbors that add structure year-round.

• Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces for warmth and ambiance.

• Pathway lighting to highlight textures and ensure safety in darker months.

Winter-Friendly Containers

Planters don’t have to be put away after fall. Winter arrangements with evergreens, branches, and ornamental elements can frame entryways and patios. Use:

• Pine boughs, spruce tips, and cedar.

• Birch logs for vertical height.

• Red berries and ribbons for festive color.

Year-Round Wildlife Appeal

Adding bird-friendly features brings life and activity to your winter landscape:

• Bird feeders and baths attract cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees.

• Berry-producing shrubs provide natural food sources.

Ready to get your landscape projects started before the cold Winter days ahead?  Barrow Landscapes can help. Landscaping doesn’t stop when the growing season ends. With evergreens, ornamental grasses, colorful bark, and thoughtfully designed hardscapes, you can enjoy a yard that looks just as beautiful in January as it does in June. If you’re ready to bring winter interest to your property, our team can help design and install features that make your landscape shine all year long.

Barrow Landscapes’ team specializes in Winter interest landscapes so that you can enjoy your outdoor space during those colder days ahead.

Barrow Landscapes services Metamora, Germantown Hills, Peoria, East Peoria, Washington, Morton and surrounding areas. Contact Barrow Landscapes for all your landscaping needs.

Barrow Landscapes offers Hardscapes including Paver Walkways, Retaining Walls, Paver Patios to Softscapes including landscape plantings, lawn install and repair, and privacy plantings. Barrow Landscapes also offers landscape lighting and 2D and 3D landscape designs so their clients’ can visualize their dream landscapes with unparalleled clarity and confidence, making informed decisions bringing outdoor visions to life.

Call Barrow Landscapes at 309-370.6299 or visit BarrowLandscapes.com. Give us a call today or contact us to get your landscape visions started.

Get a Free Estimate