When the holiday season is over, and the long winter can start to drag out, we often find ourselves chomping at the bit for spring. Luckily, there’s one part spring we can enjoy even as winter drags on: The pretty flowers in our garden!

A well-designed garden will have charms to display all year. Even during the coldest days, you may be surprised to know that many

annual flowers, perennials, and flowering shrubs will bloom, without waiting for warm weather or longer days to show off. Some hardy plants bloom in the late fall and hang on long after the snow has fallen. Others start to push out of the ground before the snow begins to melt! And lucky gardeners in mild climates can choose perennials that flower all winter long.

When planting shrubs and perennials in your garden, make sure the plant will survive in your USDA Hardiness Zone. (Find your zone here.) Then read plant descriptions and labels so you know to give a plant what it needs, whether that’s full sun, (which is six or more hours of direct light), partial sun, or even mostly shade.

Don’t try to cheat because Mother Nature will have none of it! Pay attention to planting times too. Most winter bloomers, including bulbs, need put in the ground in the fall in order for you to enjoy them next winter. Winter-blooming shrubs are best planted in the spring or fall for a show next winter. Now, make your list from our favorite winter flowers so you can plan a spectacular garden that shines in every season.

Source: countryliving.com