Ways to Brighten a Winter Landscape

A roaring fire draws visitors to its light and warmth. Create a spot in your yard or on a patio to place a fire pit loaded with wood to invite holiday guests outside if the weather permits. Surround your fire pit with chairs draped with warm wool throws and prepare a camp-style s'mores fest for dessert.

Unless you live in a community where all your fences and gates must be painted white, pull out your brushes and get to work. Paint your fences for a bright pop of color against the graying winter light and landscape. In the spring, your emerging plants in their soft, pale greens will stand out against these colorful hardscape elements. Photo courtesy of Walpole Woodworkers

Camellias and hellebores are staples of winter gardens. Searching for their colorful nodding blooms nestled among their tough, evergreen leaves gives you something to look forward to. Plant several kinds so you'll have plenty of different colors on hand to brighten up the inside of your home. Photo courtesy of monrovia.com and whiteflowerfarm.com

Shed some light on your outdoor spaces and you'll tend to use them more in the dark days of winter. Make sure your fixtures are appropriate to the style of your home. Position landscape lighting to focus on interesting trees or charming paths leading to your front door. Design by Bob Hursthouse