Beautiful Winter Backyard
Yes, the days are growing colder and darker. The shrubs are pruned; the grass was seeded; flower beds are mulched; and garden tools are clean and waiting for the March thaw.
Even in the throes of winter weather, there is so much to enjoy and admire about your beautiful outdoor space. Whether you take a walk in the brisk December air or sit in your favorite comfy chair next to the window, there is something so quiet and clean about a yard under a blanket of snow.
It’s hard for gardeners and outdoor putterers to stop longing for the rebirth of spring or the warmth of summer days, but the annual arrival of winter doesn’t have to bring about gloom and longing.
Light a Fire: Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are perfect in winter temperatures. It’s surprising how much heat they generate. A family gathering round the fire with blankets and mugs of hot cocoa provides a great setting for holiday cheer and memory-making.
Feed the Birds: Winter birds will grace your yard all winter long if you hang a birdfeeder. It adds instant beauty to any window view, especially in winter. Bright red cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers are among the beautiful feathery friends you can count on if you feed on a regular basis. Black-oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds and suet cakes are favorite foods of winter birds. Download the app – Merlin Bird ID. It does an amazing job at identifying birds and also provides images, sounds, and a bit about the bird itself.
Decorate with Pinecones: Gather pine cones from your yard and bring some of your yard indoors with you. It’s easy to make scented pinecones. Here’s how: Soak them in water for an hour. Pop them in a 200 degree oven for 30 minutes. Once cooled, place them in a zip lock bag and sprinkle about 30 drops of your favorite essential oil inside the bag. Seal the bag and give it a good shake. Then let the bag sit for about a week so the pinecones can soak up the oils.
