Winter Garden Inspiration: Piet Oudolf-Inspired Perennials and Grasses
There’s something magical about a winter garden—the way frost clings to grasses, the delicate structure of perennials, and the surprising beauty that remains even when the blooms are long gone. This season, I found so much joy walking through my garden, taking in the textures and layers that remind me of Piet Oudolf’s naturalistic style. I wanted to share my favorite perennials and grasses for winter interest, alongside a guide for creating your own winter wonderland.
Best Winter Perennials and Grasses for Interest
1. Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’)
The deep, dark foliage creates dramatic contrast against frost. It’s a low-maintenance favorite for edging paths or as ground cover.
2. Calamagrostis (Feather Reed Grass)
The golden plumes sway beautifully in the winter breeze. Their vertical structure pairs well with softer elements like lavender.
3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is evergreen in many climates, and its soft silvery foliage adds year-round charm. Plus, it smells divine!
4. Euphorbia
Euphorbia’s striking form and evergreen leaves create bold texture, standing out beautifully in a winter garden.
5. Seed Heads of Summer Perennials
I left my Echinacea and other perennials untrimmed this year. Their seed heads, dusted with frost, create a sculptural effect and provide food for birds.
Where to Shop
Here are some local Seattle nurseries and online stores where you can find these plants:
• Swanson’s Nursery (Seattle): swansonsnursery.com
• Molbak’s Garden + Home: molbaks.com
• Bluestone Perennials (Online): bluestoneperennials.com
• High Country Gardens (Online): highcountrygardens.com
Here are some highly-rated outdoor planters made from ceramic, steel, and corten steel on Amazon.
Corten Steel Planters
Veradek Corten Steel Series Span Planter – A tall, rectangular planter made from corten steel that naturally rusts over time, providing a modern rustic look. Ideal for tall plants, flowers, or small trees.
Nice Planter Corten Steel Raised Garden Bed – An industrial-grade raised planter bed measuring 8 ft x 4 ft x 16 inches high, made from corten steel. Designed for durability and easy assembly, suitable for larger gardening projects.
GZGNEEVL Corten Steel Planter Box – A large rectangular planter box crafted from weather-resistant corten steel, designed for both commercial and residential use. Features a detachable design for versatility.
Veradek Corten Steel Series Long Box Planter – A durable and attractive long box planter made from corten steel, perfect for patios, decks, or garden areas. Easy to assemble and designed to develop a natural rust patina over time.
vidaXL Corten Steel Planter – A weather-resistant, large planter pot with an open bottom design that allows excess water to drain away easily and enables plant roots to extend freely.
Garden Tools You’ll Need
To create a garden inspired by this style, here are some must-have tools with Amazon links for convenience:
1. Bypass Pruners – Perfect for trimming grasses and perennials in late winter. Buy on Amazon
2. Hand Trowel – A sturdy trowel is essential for planting and dividing perennials. Buy on Amazon
3. Gardening Gloves – Keep your hands warm and protected. Buy on Amazon
4. Soil Knife – A versatile tool for dividing grasses or digging. Buy on Amazon
5. Garden Rake – Ideal for clearing leaves while keeping mulch in place. Buy on Amazon
Tips for Designing Your Winter Garden
• Leave Perennials Standing: Resist the urge to cut everything back in fall. Seed heads and stems add structure to the winter garden.
• Focus on Texture and Contrast: Pair soft grasses with bold, architectural perennials like euphorbia.
• Embrace Layers: Mix low-growing plants like mondo grass with taller grasses and shrubs for depth.
• Add Evergreens: Include a mix of evergreen plants to keep your garden vibrant even in the coldest months.
Winter Pot Arrangements
Here’s a list of plants to include in winter containers:
1. Lavender – Evergreen structure with a soft, silvery tone.
2. Hellebores – Perfect for adding subtle blooms in late winter.
3. Red-Twig Dogwood Branches – Eye-catching red stems for color and height.
4. Ornamental Grasses – Small varieties like Festuca or Carex add texture.
5. Heuchera – Evergreen foliage in bold colors.
6. Trailing Ivy – Adds a cascading element to soften the edges of pots.
Feel free to use this plan to bring winter beauty to your garden! Let me know if you’d like more plant or tool recommendations.
Creating a winter garden is about celebrating the quieter beauty of the season. I’d love to hear what plants inspire you during winter—share your favorites in the comments below!
Happy gardening!
Shanelle
