Winter gardens are gardens that are maintained during the winter months. These gardens feature seasonal plants that survive cold temperatures and can be beautiful in winter. Learn about some of the common plants used in winter gardens. You will also learn about the costs of creating a winter garden. Below are some tips that will make your winter garden a success.
Lessons learned from Blackpool’s Winter Garden.
Historically significant, Blackpool’s Winter Garden has long been an icon of the town. It has been the venue for Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill’s famous closing speech. The Winter Garden has also hosted events by the Queen, including the first ever Royal Variety Performance outside of London. In 2014, Mama Mia returned to the city.
Since its opening 143 years ago, the Winter Gardens have grown into a world-famous entertainment complex that boasts a ballroom, theatre, and conference facilities. It’s also a grade-II listed building. The Winter Gardens is now operated by Blackpool Entertainment Company Limited, purchased from Leisure Parcs Limited in 2010. It has undergone extensive investment since then, and the council has ambitious plans for the future.
Blackpool Winter Gardens is open seven days a week unless a private function is held. Visitors can tour the interiors of the Victorian building and take in the magnificent Floral Hall. They can even indulge in Afternoon Tea in the Mazzei Cafe. The Winter Gardens also offers tours of the venue’s backstage areas.
Blackpool’s Winter Gardens also play host to several dance competitions, including the Blackpool Dance Festival. This is the oldest dance competition in Britain and dates back to 1920. It is also known as the Blackpool Festival and Blackpool Championship. The competition lasts around eight days.
Throughout the past three decades, the BYU dance team has competed in the Blackpool winter garden, bringing home first or second place each year. Their ballroom formation performance in 2013 won a standing ovation from the audience. The dancers were equipped with colorful LED lights connected to their dresses. Their graceful movements wowed the audience and earned them a first-place prize.
In addition to the winter garden, the Blackpool International Dance Festival is held annually. This festival brings together more than 400 couples each year. The event began in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom but was relocated to the Winter Gardens Empress Ballroom in 2010. The festival encompasses three branches of dance – Ballroom, Latin American, and Slowdance.
Perennials that thrive in cold temperatures
Perennials that are hardy to cold temperatures are important to plant in your winter garden. The winter season can cause major temperature changes in the soil and cause many plants to be dormant. The best way to protect perennials from the ravages of winter is to keep their roots moist. Plant them at least six to eight weeks before the average date of the first hard frost. Perennials in USDA zones three and below should be planted in late spring to give their young plants enough time to develop their roots.
Many gardeners choose to plant geraniums in their winter gardens. While these annuals are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8, they tend to grow more vigorously in cool temperatures. Geraniums can be used as a colorful ground cover or to fill shady spots. These plants are available in various colors, including bi-colors and trailing varieties. They look great when planted on their own or mixed with other annuals.
Aside from planting native plants, winter gardens can also be a great place to showcase beautiful spring flowers. Wildflowers are an excellent option, as they will sway gracefully in the cold winds. Try mixing perennials with contrasting heights and textures for more color and texture.
Hydrangeas can be planted in full or partial shade. They prefer well-draining soil and can withstand low temperatures. Once established, they bloom in the middle of winter or early spring. While hydrangeas can thrive in a cold climate, they are notorious for being fussy when transplanted. They need time to establish a deep root system.
Snowdrops are another plant that thrives in cool weather conditions. The drooping petals of this plant are perfect for winter gardens. These delicate and colorful flowers will fill your garden from late winter to early spring. Another good perennial to plant in a winter garden is cyclamen.
Deciduous trees and shrubs can be an excellent addition to a winter garden. Evergreen shrubs will add color and interest to your winter garden and attract wildlife. Choose fruit-bearing shrubs for birds and other garden-friendly creatures. Most shrubs can be pruned when dormant in autumn.
Common plants found in winter gardens
Adding unexpected color to a winter garden can be as easy as planting holly. This shrub is popular for its berries and is best grown at the back of a large garden bed. The berries are toxic if ingested, but they will add a splash of color to your garden in winter.
In winter, many plants bloom, including perennials, annuals, and shrubs. Perennials can even bloom while there is still snow on the ground. Before you start planting, check the USDA Hardiness Zones of these plants to ensure they will thrive in your area. Many winter-blooming plants are native to the colder parts of the world.
Many irises and iris varieties bloom throughout winter, making them ideal for a winter garden. In particular, winter daphne, a sweet-smelling perennial, has a long flowering season. While most roses are dormant in winter, some varieties have survived cold weather. One of these is the old rose damask variety, which is especially hardy for winter gardens. Heather is another resilient plant that is tolerant of acidic soil and harsh winter weather.
Evergreens can also help add structure to a winter garden, offering lush shade and cover to many species of plants. These plants are usually large, but dwarf varieties are also suitable. Some types are more suitable for containers. If you choose to grow conifers, ensure they are not too tall or too wide for your winter garden.
Dogwood is another attractive winter plant that adds a splash of color. It’s bright yellow and red branches will stand out in a fresh snowfall. Dogwood only needs to be planted once and is hardy in cold climates. It can also be clipped and brought indoors for arrangements in winter.
Another popular winter plant is holly. This shrub is often used for decorating Christmas trees and is a hardy plant. It can tolerate cold temperatures and produces red berries.
Cost of creating a winter garden
Creating a winter garden is a fun way to change the look of your yard during the winter months. You can incorporate art, fencing, and furniture to add visual interest to the garden. Adding shapes, colors, and textures can add structure to the landscape. Deciduous trees and wood structures work well in this type of landscape.
Costs vary significantly depending on the type of construction involved, from off-the-shelf models to fully customized designs. Typically, the most affordable option is a construction kit, which is typically produced in large quantities. However, it’s important to remember that construction kits may contain excess material. Creating a winter garden is an intricate process that requires many different parts.
While some plants do not survive the winter, most can be planted in winter. 90% of plants will survive the winter season. Creating a winter garden can also be a lucrative sideline during the colder months. Building a winter garden can cost as much as $10,000.
When creating a winter garden, preparing the area before the first frost is important. Remove any dead plant growth and cover the remaining plants with mulch. This helps protect them from cold and warm temperatures. You can also use a blanket to protect plants susceptible to cold temperatures. You can also move vulnerable plants in pots indoors and cover them with mulch.
