The holidays are here, and it’s time to make your outdoor space just as festive as your home. Imagine twinkling lights, cozy fires, and vibrant greenery all around your property—sounds like the perfect setting for holiday memories, right? With Rossen Landscape, you can create a stunning holiday landscape that will wow your guests and brighten your home all season long.
Here’s how you can design the perfect holiday landscape, whether you're preparing for a big celebration or simply want to add some seasonal cheer to your outdoor space.
1. Light It Up
Nothing says "holiday season" like sparkling outdoor lights. Holiday lighting is the easiest and most effective way to bring instant festivity to your landscape. Here are a few tips for a dazzling lighting display:
- Highlight key features: String lights on trees, shrubs, and along railings to highlight your garden’s natural beauty. Consider spotlighting architectural features like columns, doorways, or a grand staircase with soft, white lighting to create an elegant look.
- Add some color: While white lights are timeless, colored lights can add a fun and cheerful vibe. Wrap your evergreen trees in red, green, or blue lights, or use LED light strings to drape across fences and around garden statues for a playful touch.
- Layer lighting: Combine string lights, spotlights, and even lanterns to create depth and dimension in your yard. Light paths and walkways to guide guests while also making the space feel inviting.
- Smart lighting: Use timers or smart lights to control your outdoor lighting, ensuring they come on at dusk and turn off at a set time. This saves energy and ensures your landscape looks perfect every night.
2. Go Green with Seasonal Plantings
While flowers may take a break in winter, greenery never goes out of season. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Evergreens and conifers: Incorporate evergreen trees, shrubs, and conifers into your design. Varieties like pine, spruce, and fir add color and structure to your landscape, even in the coldest months. They provide a beautiful backdrop for seasonal décor.
- Winterberries and holly: These plants are perfect for adding pops of red or gold to your landscape. Their vibrant berries and glossy leaves make them ideal for decorating and will remain striking through the holidays.
- Decorate with natural elements: Use pine cones, sprigs of holly, or cedar branches to add texture and fragrance to your landscape. These can be placed in pots along your entryway, draped on railings, or arranged in outdoor wreaths for extra flair.
3. Deck the Porch with Holiday Cheer
Fire pits, fireplaces, and chimineas are ideal for creating a warm, inviting space where guests can gather. Here are some ideas for incorporating them into your holiday landscape:
- Fireplaces & fire pits: If you already have a fireplace or fire pit, surround it with comfortable seating like outdoor sofas or chairs. Add plush outdoor throws to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere for holiday chats and sipping hot cocoa.
- Outdoor rugs and cushions: Create a welcoming area by adding a large outdoor rug and festive cushions around your fire feature. Consider rich, winter-inspired colors like deep reds, greens, and golds to complement the seasonal theme.
- Heated elements: In areas where the temperature dips, consider adding electric or gas-powered patio heaters around your outdoor seating area to extend the time you can comfortably enjoy your landscape.
4. Add Seasonal Elements to Water Features
If you have a water feature, like a pond, fountain, or stream, consider incorporating seasonal décor for an extra touch of elegance:
- Floating candles: Place floating candles or water-safe LED lights in your pond or fountain to create a peaceful, glowing effect.
- Ornaments and greenery: Add holiday-specific elements like silver, gold, or red ornaments floating in the water, or drape fresh greenery over the edge of the fountain for a subtle, yet festive touch.
- Winter care: For those with ponds or small lakes, don’t forget to winterize your water features. Ensure your water is oxygenated to prevent freezing, and clear out any leaves or debris before it gets too cold.
5. Decorate the Front Porch for a Welcoming Vibe
Your front porch is the first place guests will experience your holiday landscape, so make it count! Here are some tips:
- Wreaths & garlands: A large, beautifully decorated wreath on your door is a classic, but don’t forget about garlands. Hang them along the railing, drape them across the top of your porch, or frame your windows with them for added warmth.
- Outdoor containers: Use large urns or decorative planters to showcase seasonal plants like poinsettias, small evergreen trees, or a mixture of holly and ivy. These containers can be placed at your entryway or around the porch to add festive color.
- Cozy seating: Add outdoor cushions and throws to your porch furniture, or place a small bistro table with candles and seasonal décor to create a cozy, intimate spot.
6. Install Holiday-Themed Hardscaping Features
Enhancing your hardscaping with seasonal touches adds to the overall aesthetic of your holiday landscape:
- Retaining walls and pathways: Use natural stone or brick to highlight pathways, and add seasonal décor like lanterns, wreaths, or even small holiday-themed garden statues along the way.
- Patios & outdoor kitchens: If you have a patio or outdoor kitchen, decorate the area with garlands, lights, and holiday-themed table settings. Consider hanging string lights or adding candles to bring warmth and light to the space.
7. Keep Your Landscape Healthy with Proper Maintenance
To keep your holiday landscape looking its best, consider adding maintenance services that ensure your plants, lighting, and water features are well cared for:
- Lighting maintenance: Regularly check your holiday lights to ensure they’re functioning properly. Rossen Landscape offers outdoor lighting maintenance, so your lights stay bright and beautiful throughout the season.
- Winterization services: We can help with winterizing your plants, water features, and irrigation systems to ensure they’re protected from the elements. This keeps your landscape thriving year-round, not just during the holidays.
- Snow & ice management: For those with snowy winters, proper snow and ice management is crucial for maintaining safety and the beauty of your outdoor space. Rossen Landscape offers snow and ice management services to ensure your pathways, driveways, and outdoor features are clear.
This holiday season, let Rossen Landscape help you design a festive outdoor space that makes your home shine. Whether it’s through lighting, cozy features, or natural elements, our team can create the perfect holiday landscape that welcomes the season and your loved ones. Contact us today to begin designing your holiday oasis!