In many instances winter is seen a dull and dreary month but when it come to your garden, winter might just be the most colourful season of the year. With a few manor changes, your garden can be transformed into a winter wonderland.

Flowers can be used to add an array of colour to a dull winter garden. Varieties such as daffodils or roses are big winter favourites. Roses are available in various colours and are easy to maintain throughout the year. For a more simplistic approach, daffodils can be used in either yellow or white.

A lawn contributes greatly to the overall look of a garden. Luckily, with the Western Cape’s winter rainfall, gardens need less watering. However, ensure that your lawn is kept short enough to allow optimum heat from the sun to penetrate to the roots.

Flowers and a well-kept lawn create a beautiful picture, but without trees, there would be no structure. Caring for your trees, even during winter, is essential. A thick layer of compost around the tree, will prevent it from looking dull and lifeless. The compost ensures that the tree remains moist, regulates the root temperature and eliminates the presence of weeds. Protecting smaller trees by surrounding it with canvas and supporting it with a pole, is advisable. But ensure that these measures do not limit the tree’s ability to grow freely.

Gardens should be adapted to the season’s changes to avoid it from looking lifeless and colourless. With the suggested adjustments, your garden is set to flourish.

For these and more tips, be sure not to miss the Home Improvers Show from 26 to 29 March 2009 at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town. Enjoy your garden’s new personality!