Winter gardens tend to be less colorful than in the spring since there are fewer flowers that bloom in the Los Angeles cooler months. Although we are lucky enough to be able to garden year round in our milder climate, our landscapes can benefit from some extra color during November through March. Once late winter and early spring arrive, both native and imported flowers are usually happy to burst into brilliant hues. So here are some suggestions to keep your winter garden colorful.
Plant fruit trees or other trees that will change foliage color in the autumn. Some of the best color changing trees for our area are Piscaccios, Ashes and Liquidamber. Fruit trees will later offer showy spring blossoms. If you don't want fruit, choose flowering varieties.
Decorate your garden with pots of colorful chrysanthemums. In most parts of Los Angeles the daisy-like chrysanthemum will survive the winters to bloom again next year when planted in the garden.
Look for autumn-blooming plants that do well in the local Los Angeles area. The native California fuschia, Epilobium or Zauschnaria flowers bright red in autumn. And Society Garlic covers itself with purple-pink flowers when there is little else in bloom.
Give woodwork and surrounding hardscapes a fresh coat of paint or oil. You can enrich colors while preserving materials beneath from Los Angeles rains, winds and sun.
Plant colorful foliage. Some plants offer a rainbow of leaf colors that will keep your garden exciting all year round. Choose plants like the New Zealand Flax, ornamental grasses or a Canna lily like 'Tropicana' that grow well throughout most of Los Angeles County, are easy to care for and put on a year 'round show.
Look for colorful rock, gravel, tile or other hardscape and decorating material that will require little maintenance and add interest in the Los Angeles winter garden. You can dress up your gardens during the holiday season with timly decor, too.
As you can see, there are many ways to add color to your garden here in Southern California beyond depending exclusively on flower petals.
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