As the cold and rainy nights start to creep in, it is all too easy to get a little too ensconced in the dark and dreary.

The spring and summer see millions of people enjoy their garden, pruning and preening, sitting by paddling pools and eating evening meals outside too.

A stark contrast to what is possible in the autumn and winter. Fear not! You can turn your garden into a sparkly little winter Eden in no time at all.

Themes

For some, there is nothing so delightful as piles of pumpkin and red leaves. At the same time, others prefer to hang bats and creepy spider webs. But as it hits November and December, and the frost sets in, The Nutcracker and Santa are at the forefront of our minds.

Even the most miniature garden can have the most prominent personality – think about what you’d want to see when you look out of the window.

Colours

The pop of red berries against a white background is a little bit like a Christmas movie dream and not always easy to achieve.

Sadly the garden might not be as much help as in the summertime. You might be relying on bare branches and browning leaves.

Those naked branches are perfect for wrapping outdoor fairy lights around since the nights get darker so much earlier – you can enjoy them for hours each evening.

Christmas classic colours are green, red and gold, and they work so well outside. Add colour with plants and decorations.

Winter Flowers

If you are lucky enough to have evergreens, you enjoy that lush look all year. Many people don’t know that some flowers utterly thrive in the weather we often try to avoid.

Here are some beautiful flowers that can breathe some life into a winter garden:

• Winterberry will bring some greens and reds that feel like Christmas.
• Flowering quince is hardy and thrives in even the most extreme of climates.
• Witch hazel is a fresh-smelling flower and perfect for some extra texture in the back garden.

Lighting

Even in the peak of winter, milder nights are perfect for a large cup of cocoa, a chunky blanket, and stargazing.

Adding some outdoor spotlights from Poplar Nurseries will mean that those 6 pm evenings that feel inky midnight will be well-lit and cosy.

Outdoor decor

Spread the festive winter joy into your back garden using ribbons, wreaths and winter garden ornaments. Fresh wreaths and garlands look beautiful outside, while even the barest of branches can look stunning with some regular baubles added on.

Just remember that anything you add to the garden will need to be secured down and designed for outdoor use!

When the nights are long and they often feel like it in the winter months, consider adding brightness and joy into your outdoor space. Not only will it bring you some happiness every time you look at it, but it extends the cosy festive feeling from indoors to out.

Turn your garden into a winter wonderland, and enjoy a little extra sparkle this year.

Don’t worry when the time comes to put it all away, check these tips: Storage tips for Christmas decorations.