Winter Holiday Entertaining Outdoors: Cozy Garden Gatherings

Winter Holiday Entertaining Outdoors: Cozy Garden Gatherings

Landscape Design

Winter Holiday Entertaining Outdoors: Cozy Garden Gatherings

The chill in the air, the twinkle of lights, and the promise of a fresh blanket of snow – the winter season and its holidays beckon us to celebrate in the great outdoors. At Fredell Enterprises, we believe your garden is the perfect setting for a cozy and festive holiday gathering. Let’s unwrap some tips to turn your outdoor space into a winter wonderland for entertaining.

1. Warmth by the Fire

Embrace the spirit of the season with a crackling fire. Whether it’s a stylish fire pit, an outdoor fireplace, or even a collection of lanterns, create a warm focal point for your gathering. Provide cozy blankets and encourage guests to gather ’round for toasty conversations.

2. Inviting Seating Arrangements

Ensure your guests stay comfortable by arranging inviting seating. Adorn benches and chairs with festive cushions and blankets. Consider incorporating wooden or rustic furniture to add a touch of warmth to the winter setting. Build your patio seating walls around a charming fire pit. Create intimate and cozy corners throughout your garden with the addition of blankets and cushions. These inviting nooks encourage small group conversations and add an extra layer of warmth to the overall setting.

3. Hot Beverages Station

Warm beverages are a must for winter entertaining. Set up a hot cocoa or mulled wine station with all the fixings. Bonus points for adding a variety of flavored syrups, marshmallows, and candy canes for a DIY beverage experience. Having an outdoor kitchen makes this easy to do all year round.

4. Winter-Ready Decorations

Deck the halls of your garden with winter-ready decorations. Think evergreen wreaths, twinkling lights, and seasonal garlands. Don’t forget to include elements that resonate with the winter season, like snowflake ornaments and cozy lanterns. Landscaping your garden to incorporate outdoor lighting options complete with exterior outlets will facilitate setting up your ultimate nighttime winter wonderland.

5. Seasonal Tablescapes

Set a magical scene with a beautifully adorned table. Use winter-themed tablecloths, rustic centerpieces, and elegant candle holders. Incorporate elements from nature, like pinecones and berries, for a touch of seasonal charm. Planting the right Colorado native plants in your yard means that you don’t need to go far to find these charming accompaniments.

6. Ambient Lighting

As the sun sets earlier in winter, create a warm ambiance with strategic lighting. String fairy lights through branches, use lanterns with LED candles, or install subtle pathway lighting. Outdoor lighting not only adds charm but also enhances safety during evening gatherings.

7. Weather-Resilient Fabrics

Invest in weather-resistant fabrics for your outdoor seating. Opt for cushions and blankets made from durable materials that can withstand the occasional winter drizzle. This ensures your guests stay cozy and dry, even if the weather decides to join the celebration.

8. Evergreen Pots and Planters

Dress up your garden with evergreen pots and planters. Arrange them strategically around your entertaining space to add a touch of greenery and winter charm. Consider incorporating seasonal blooms like holly or winter pansies for bursts of color.

9. S’mores Station

Elevate the outdoor experience with a s’mores station. Set up a dedicated area with all the essentials – graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, and skewers. Encourage guests to create their own gooey delights over the fire. A strategically placed fire pit will help maximize the marshmallow-toasting, s’mores experience.

10. Winter Games and Activities

Keep the festive spirit alive with winter games and activities. From snowball fights to a game of winter charades, provide options for guests to engage and enjoy the outdoor setting. Take advantage of the snow by decorating your landscape with cheerful snowmen; the more the merrier!

11. Seasonal Playlist

Enhance the atmosphere with a carefully curated seasonal playlist. Think classic holiday tunes mixed with acoustic winter melodies. The right music can transform your outdoor space into a festive retreat. Consider adding in outdoor sound systems to maximize the musical magic.
At Fredell Enterprises, we’re passionate about landscaping outdoor spaces that inspire joy and celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of a small family gathering or a cozy soiree with friends, our tips are designed to help you make the most of your garden during the winter holidays. Let’s turn your outdoor space into a haven of warmth and merriment. Happy winter entertaining!
Preparing Your Colorado Springs Landscape for Winter’s Embrace

Preparing Your Colorado Springs Landscape for Winter’s Embrace

Landscape Maintenance, Lawn Care, Seasonal Yard Care

Preparing Your Colorado Springs Landscape for Winter’s Embrace

Colorado Springs is a beautiful city, but winter can be tough on your landscape. As the golden hues of autumn surrender to the crisp embrace of winter, it’s time to ensure that your landscape is well-prepared to weather the colder months. Winter can be a challenging season for your outdoor space–the cold weather, snow, and wind can damage plants and trees, and make it difficult for them to survive. That’s why it’s important to prepare your landscape for winter before the cold weather arrives. With some thoughtful planning and a bit of elbow grease, you can protect and even enhance your landscape’s health.

1. Mulch Because It Matters

One of the first steps in winterizing your landscape is applying a fresh layer of mulch. Mulch acts as a protective blanket for the soil, helping to regulate soil temperature and moisture levels. You can use a variety of materials for mulch, such as wood chips, bark chips, and straw. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. This layer will insulate the soil, keeping it warmer during cold spells and preventing frost heave.

2. Prune for Protection

Late fall is an ideal time for pruning your trees and shrubs. Remove any dead or diseased branches as they are more vulnerable to winter damage. Proper pruning enhances air circulation and reduces the risk of snow or ice accumulation on branches, which can lead to breakage. Also remove any dead leaves and weeds from your yard. This will help to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your landscape. You should also trim any shrubs or trees that are overgrown. This will help to prevent them from being damaged by the snow and wind. If you’re uncertain about the best pruning practices for your specific plants, consult with a landscaping professional.

3. Wrap and Shield Plants

Tender plants, particularly newly planted trees and shrubs, may benefit from protective wrapping. Trees and shrubs can be damaged by the weight of snow and ice. To protect them, wrap them with burlap or other protective material. You can also stake trees and shrubs to help them support the weight of snow and ice. Anti-desiccant sprays can also be applied to reduce water loss from leaves. Additionally, use burlap or specially designed plant covers to shield vulnerable plants from harsh winds, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures.

4. Wrap and Clear Water Pipes

Water pipes can freeze and burst in the winter. To prevent this, wrap them with insulation or heat tape. You should also drain any outdoor faucets or hoses. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to back up and damage your roof and foundation. Be sure to clean your gutters and downspouts before the winter weather arrives.

5. Inspect Your Irrigation System

Don’t forget to adjust your irrigation system for the winter season. As temperatures drop, plants require less water. Reduce the frequency and duration of watering sessions, but be sure to deep water your landscape thoroughly before the ground freezes. Proper drainage is crucial to avoid ice buildup that can damage plants and hardscaping elements. Additionally, inspect your irrigation system for any leaks or damage. Repair any leaks and make sure that your irrigation system is turned off before the first frost.

6. Safely Remove Snow

Snow can be both enchanting and challenging for your landscape. Shoveling or snow blowing paths through your garden can help protect plants from the weight of accumulated snow. Brush snow off branches and shrubs gently to prevent breakage. Be cautious, though, as plants can be brittle in cold weather.

If you use de-icing products on walkways or driveways, choose eco-friendly options that won’t harm your plants or contaminate groundwater. Be cautious when shoveling near your landscape features to avoid damaging plants or hardscaping elements.

7. Protect Your Lawn

Integrate hardscaping elements strategically to enhance functionality and aesthetics. Patios, walkways, or retaining walls can define spaces and reduce the need for excessive plantings. Choose materials that complement your overall design while offering durability.

8. Plan for Spring

While winterizing your landscape, take a moment to plan for spring. Consider any landscaping projects you’d like to undertake once the snow melts. Whether it’s adding new plants, creating a patio, or designing a garden space, now is the perfect time to dream and plan for the beauty that spring will bring.

9. Consult a Professional

For complex or extensive landscaping needs, consider consulting a professional landscaping company. They can assess your landscape’s unique requirements and provide expert guidance on winter preparation and long-term care.

Winter in Colorado Springs can be both challenging and beautiful, but by following these tips and being proactive in your landscape care, you canl help ensure that your outdoor space not only survives the winter but thrives when the spring thaw arrives. Prepare your landscape with care, and you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, healthy, and resilient outdoor haven in the seasons to come.

The Necessity of Watering Your Plants & Grass In Winter

The Necessity of Watering Your Plants & Grass In Winter

Landscape Maintenance, Lawn Care

Colorado has some of the most stunning landscape in the country and is a popular place to visit year round. But Colorado’s winter weather is very dry, which can be the real reason behind damage to the landscape rather than the cold itself, which is why continuing to water your plants in the winter is essential. Dry air and winter winds can remove water from plants and trees, and when the ground freezes, any underground water turns to ice crystals that cannot be absorbed by plant roots. Water acts as an insulator for root systems, protecting them from damage during colder temperatures. 

How much water is enough?

When it comes to fall and winter watering of your plants of grass, Colorado State University has some expert guidance for homeowners and plant lovers regarding the necessity of winter watering. Because the combination of dry air, low precipitation, little soil moisture, and fluctuating temperatures are typical in many areas of Colorado, it is often necessary to provide additional soil moisture from October through March to keep plant and tree root systems healthy and thriving, especially during times of little to no snow cover. Trees, shrubs, perennials and lawns may suffer damage during fall and winter if they do not receive supplemental water. Here are some quick tips from the CSU Extension program on when to water your plants and landscape:

  • To give your plant adequate soil moisture as they head into winter, water plants when the leaves begin to fall in the autumn.
  • Water trees, shrubs, lawns, and perennials during prolonged dry fall and winter periods to prevent root damage that affects the health of the entire plant.
  • Water only when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees F with no snow cover.
  • Apply water at mid-day so it will have time to soak in before possible freezing at night.
  • Established large trees have a root spread equal to or greater than the height of the tree.
  • Apply water to the most critical part of the root zone within the drip line.
  • Plants receiving reflected heat from buildings, walls and fences are more subject to damage. The low angle of winter sun makes this more likely on south or west exposures.
  • Windy sites result in faster drying of sod and plants and require additional water.
  • Lawns in warm exposures are prone to late winter mite damage. Water is the best treatment to prevent turf injury.

Following these guidelines of watering your plants during winter season can help ensure your landscape remains healthy and beautiful throughout Colorado’s colder months.