Wintertime has it's own beauty and purpose in the garden. The leaves have fallen. The rains have arrived. The temperature has dropped. The days are shorter. Mother nature is preparing for a deep rest and dormancy in the garden. Our gardens shut down to replenish themselves for that dramatic burst of energy, we call Spring and the continuing year ahead.

As gardeners, it is a great time of the year to see our gardens in a new perspective. With leaves fallen, blooms cut, plants trimmed back, we can easily see the architectural structure and "bones" of our gardens. In places where there is snow, and ice, a painting of wintry landscape emerges. There is something very ethereal about the garden at this time. Just like the other seasons, Winter has it's own beauty and mood.

Take the time to observe your garden carefully. It is a time to be especially grateful for your garden, what the garden gives back to you and your spirit. Be grateful of your garden's bounty throughout the year. Is it pretty fresh cut flowers every week for your home. Incredibly tasty fresh fruit and vegetables to cook and bake with for your family and friends. The kinship of garden friends that share your same passion. The connection with Mother Earth.

It is the time to contemplate your garden. A time to make any changes if needed. What you like about it. What you don't. What is not doing well in a location. What needs to be added. What would you like to do, if you had no constraints.

It is a planning time. It is a time to catch your breath after the holidays, before we are once again busy in the garden and mother nature wakes up from her brief repose. Take time for yourself, and read your new garden books from the holidays. Find your magazine articles you have clipped out and saved, but haven't had a chance to read. Make a pot of tea, sit by the fire, and pour over your new seed catalogs that have wonderful new selections of vegetables to be grown. Create a "To Do List" which might include checking and sharpening your garden tools, or what might need to be purchased to be ready for Spring. Perhaps, it is a time to reflect, study and plan the new direction you might want to take your garden.

Embrace your garden in the Winter, it is a time of beauty and peace.

Do you know your garden style? What are the elements that are repeated in your garden? What gives you joy to see? What do you gravitate towards? What is your vision with your garden? What do you like to do in your garden? Who do you spend time with in your garden? These are all great questions to ask yourself to help you define your style.

For instance, I like topiaries, espaliered trees, rustic arches, variegated plants, animal statuary, vintage gnome, boxwood, roses, fox gloves, hollyhocks, herbs, curving paths, olive trees, spiral shapes, cypress, juniper, roses, hydrangea, fruit trees, succulents, garden vignettes, hanging baskets, vintage containers, heirloom vegetables, and more.

All of these elements help define your garden style. When you are browsing or shopping at your favorite nurseries, garden shops, and flea markets, you will be more focused on what works in your garden, and what does not. It will save you money. You will be able to identify better what areas or items to spend your money on for your garden.

Color is also part of your style. Do you prefer soft, subtle tones? Do you prefer bright and dramatic color? Do you have a color scheme or palette to complement your garden style? If you enjoy your garden, you probably enjoy the joy of fresh cut flowers inside your home. Your garden colors should enhance the interior colors you have chosen in your home.

Do you have a modern home? Do you have a modern style? Perhaps you have a Cape Cod home, Spanish Hacienda, or an Arts & Crafts beauty. There is specific landscaping and plant selections that complement each style of home. Make sure that is in place, before you move on to refine your garden style.

A person can become quite well known and admired for their garden style. Go ahead, express yourself. What is your garden style?

VintageGardenGal commenced on September 4, 2008!