menu

Winter garden magic: relax and enjoy!

84 valkplant 1 2026 23

Back to overview

Winter garden magic: relax and enjoy!

Winter brings an enchanting calm to the garden. Plants slumber in hibernation and there is a serene atmosphere in the air. There are still a few small chores to do before the cold sets in but then a period of rest begins for the gardener too. So put aside the pruning shears, rakes and hoes because you won't need them for the time being. In fact, your plants benefit from being left alone for a while. Besides, the Proven Winners plants are all hardy, so there is no need to worry. Find out why 'doing nothing' in winter might be the best thing you can do for your garden.

The final chores

Before you let your garden quietly nod off into its winter sleep, you can help the plants get through the winter well with a few simple chores:

  • The dry flowers of Proven Winners hydrangeas make a beautiful winter display. Worried about the branches breaking off during a heavy snowfall? Then cut off the spent flowers just above the leaf or leaf bud. This prevents the thinner branches from breaking.
  • Protect shrubs from frost by placing a layer of leaf litter around the base. This will keep the worst of the cold away from the plant's roots.
  • Do you have plants in pots? Gather them and put them close together in a sheltered spot. If necessary, wrap some foil or burlap around them and they are ready for winter. Water them a little if necessary to prevent them from drying out.

Furthermore, winter naturally does a very good job without our help. The gradual drop in temperature helps the plants go dormant, allowing them to resist cold and unwanted pests and diseases. A layer of snow even has an insulating effect, protecting them from cold and wind. 

Low-maintenance enjoyment 

Plants thrive best in winter with as little maintenance as possible. So leave them alone and only prune in spring if necessary. Moreover, Proven Winners' plants are all hardy, which means you can let the garden run its course in winter, worry-free.

Winter refuge

In winter, your garden is a haven for animals. Birds look for food there, small animals find shelter and insects nestle among the plants to hibernate. So don't clean up your garden too much and leave leaf litter between the plants as much as possible. By doing nothing, you contribute to maintaining a balanced ecosystem in your garden.


Let nature take its course in winter. Doing nothing' is the best form of gardening this season, allowing you to relax and look ahead to the coming growing and flowering season!
 

Related blogs

spiraea jap. double play red smnsjmfr 6 roder proven winners
Tips & tricks, Drought resistance, Summer
A carefree summer with drought-resistant plants
Summer is a wonderful time, the sun shines in abundance, it is nice and warm and you can enjoy your garden or balcony until late in the evening. However, your plants often need extra water in those hot and dry summer months to stay beautiful and healthy. And even then, if the plants chosen are not suited to full sun exposure, they may be "lost" to drought and heat. Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful garden plants that can withstand these conditions just fine. How nice is that! We give you tips on how to best help your garden plants during the dry, hot summer months and introduce you to the drought-resistant plants from Proven Winners' collection.
Read more
punica gran. pompommy smnpgmf 9 proven winners
Inspiration
Create a special garden with special varieties
Would you like something different than the average garden plant? There are many ways to turn your garden into something extraordinary and planting a special variety is one of them. With unusual plants, you can create a unique atmosphere or appearance in your garden. These may be plants with remarkable leaves, a striking flower colour or an unusual inflorescence.
Read more
abelia mos. sweet emotion smnamds 2 proven winners flower foliage
Inspiration, Autumn
Yes, autumn is here!
The days are getting shorter and the sunlight takes on that special warm glow. The garden is slowly starting to get ready for the approaching autumn. Many plants are getting past their prime and the summer bloomers are putting on their last show. Yet this does not have to mean that it is done with colour in your garden. On the contrary, in autumn you can still expect a great show of colour from plants that are at their best in September and October. These are our favourite shrubs for autumn.
Read more
aronia mel. revontuli spreader uconnam012 1 proven winners garden
Inspiration, Spring
Top 5 shrubs for spring flowering!
Spring is in full swing and you can already relax in your garden when the weather is nice. It is extra enjoyable with shrubs that already bloom in spring. We have listed our 5 spring favourites for you. Most of these Proven Winners® shrubs remain compact and are suitable for the smaller garden or border.
Read more
hydrangea arb. strong annabelle abetwo 4e proven winners
Inspiration, Hydrangea
The perfect Hydrangea for your garden
With Hydrangea’s, you bring a feast of colour to your garden all summer long. It is a beautiful shrub that flowers very abundantly with fantastic flowers. Hydrangea’s thrive in both sun and shade and require little maintenance. It is a favourite garden plant for a reason! But did you know that there are as many as 20 different species of Hydrangea? Each with lots of cultivars. Five varieties are the most commonly used and will do great in your garden.
Read more
hibiscus sugar tip img 8189
Inspiration, Hydrangea, Pollinator friendly
The fun starts now: special varieties for the new garden season!
Winter is the ideal time to start thinking about new additions to your garden. Are you looking for something special? These special varieties certainly deserve a place on your wish list!
Read more