Contributed by Info Guru Angela Bushong

When those north winds come blowing in, you don’t want to be rushing outside, trying to get those last minute garden chores finished up in subzero temperatures.

Winter gardens tend to languish in the cold, with humans shrinking away from general upkeep and the threat of frostbite. Keep your winter garden looking good with a few simple steps and additions before it’s too late.

10. Clean up the Lawn

Okay, so maybe it isn’t winter just yet, or maybe you’ve just waited until the last minute to clean out your garden beds and get your lawn in shape before the snows set in. Well, don’t hesitate any longer. Grab your rake and leaf & grass collectors and get all that yard debris picked up. A tidy garden is a good looking garden.

9. Deck the Fence Posts

If you’re looking for a few ways to spruce up your outdoor world for the months when very little grows, perhaps you should consider topping your fence posts. They can be lighted, to illuminate the dark recesses of your landscape at night, and can add interest and life to otherwise dormant areas.

8. Festive Walkways

Winter holidays are fast approaching, which is your license to have a little fun with your garden. Place oversized candy canes or other festive edging to delineate paths which might otherwise go unnoticed under snow or fallen leaves.

7. Keep it Manicured

Don’t overlook the practical side of getting the yard in shape for winter. Overgrown, misshapen bushes and hedges can detract from the overall appearance of your garden, and you don’t want to be out there trying to get them under control in the freezing cold. Make sure to trim them back now using your best garden shears, before the bad weather sets in.

6. Outside Looking In

When the trees turn to brown and the annuals fade, spending time outside can leave your eyes wandering, looking for a focal point. That’s when you tend to look back at the biggest thing on the property—your house. This is the best time to deck out your windows and hang pretty ornaments to entertain those wandering eyes.

5. Hear the Wind Blow

There’s something beautiful and soul soothing about the sound of a wind chime in the garden. It provides a sort of delightful something to the cool, crisp air, and can add interesting visual décor as well.

4. Adopt a Pretty Sentinel

You may love your wildlife, but let’s face it, some critters just love tearing up your carefully tended gardens. Keep them away with the visage of a bird of prey. Extra points if the sentinel is a beautiful snowy owl to go with the rest of your winter décor.

3. For the Birds

Speaking of birds, your feathered friends get hungry in the dark cold part of the year, when food is scarce. Attract them to your yard by providing a seed-filled bird feeder, and find one that reflects your sense of style at the same time.

2. Let it Snow!

Some of us live in regions which get very little to no snow. This can be a little bit of a downer during the holidays, when all you see are pictures of the perfect New Hampshire winter. Do not despair, our warm weather friends. Add some flurries to your back porch with a rotating light effect, and watch it come glittering down! Now that’s how you create a winter wonderland in the South.

1. Light the Way

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to add interest and beauty to your garden is to add holiday accent lights to paths, shrubbery and focal points. Accent lights in strings, icicles or net configurations will illuminate your garden sanctuary all night long.