Part 4: Planting design

4. Seasons of interest

To create year-round interest, knowledge of which plants look good during which season is key.

Winter

Borders in winter can have form, texture and interest; evergreen shrubs can be used to enhance a winter border. Frosts that softly coat evergreen plants can create a pleasing effect on crisp winter mornings.

A collage of snowy, wintry garden shrubs and trees.
Spring

Spring flowering bulbs add a splash of colour early in the season, even before the leaves on the trees have emerged.

A selection of spring flowers

And spring flowering trees and shrubs such as cherry trees and Rhododendrons add valuable colour to the season.

A selection of flowering spring trees and shrubs.

Summer

Summer is a season with plenty of interest with an abundance of flower and foliage colours.

A colourful selection of summer flowers.
Autumn

Autumn is characterised by the fading colours of flowers, fruit ripening, seed heads forming and the warm colours of autumn leaves. Including plants, such as Acers, that give a good display in Autumn, adds interest to this season.

Autumn flowering trees and shrubs
Activity

Choose 3 plants for each season (winter, spring, summer and autumn) which would add interest to that season. Consider not only flowers but also using evergreen plants and plants with interesting foliage, stems or fruit.