Embrace Winter Bliss: Transform Your Patio with Cool Weather Outdoor Plants and Retractable Screens

As winter envelops the outdoors with its chilly embrace, many gardeners reluctantly bid farewell to their beloved outdoor spaces. However, with the right knowledge and tools, winter doesn’t have to signal the end of your gardening adventures. Imagine sipping a warm cup of cocoa on your Spokane patio, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blooms, all thanks to the magic of motorized retractable screens. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of cool weather outdoor plants that can thrive on your patio during winter, all while making the most of your retractable screens.

1. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum):With its delicate yellow flowers and arching green stems, winter jasmine brings a touch of sunshine to the dreariest winter days. This resilient plant thrives in cooler temperatures and partial shade, making it perfect for patio environments shielded by retractable screens. Winter jasmine’s ability to bloom during the colder months adds a cheerful ambiance to your outdoor space, even when the skies are gray. Read more: The Spruce: Winter Jasmine
2. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.):
   Known as the “Christmas Rose” or “Lenten Rose,” hellebores are prized for their elegant flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring. These shade-loving perennials come in a range of colors, from pure white to deep burgundy, adding a pop of color to your patio garden. With the protection provided by retractable screens, hellebores can thrive in a sheltered outdoor environment, even when temperatures drop. Read more: Plant Addicts: Growing Hellebore in Pots
3. Winter-flowering Heathers (Erica spp. and Calluna spp.):
   For a burst of vibrant color in your winter garden, look no further than winter-flowering heathers.These hardy shrubs produce an abundance of small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, attracting pollinators even in the coldest months. Planted in containers on your patio and shielded by retractable screens, winter-flowering heathers add both beauty and biodiversity to your outdoor space. Read more: Plant Addicts: Growing Heather in Pots
4. Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.):
   With their intricate, swept-back petals and marbled foliage, cyclamen plants are a delightful addition to any winter garden. These shade-loving perennials thrive in cool, moist environments, making them well-suited for patio gardens protected by retractable screens. Cyclamen’s compact growth habit and long-lasting blooms make them ideal for containers, window boxes, or hanging baskets on your patio. Read more: Gardening Know How: Cyclamen Care
5. Winter Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana):
   No winter garden is complete without the cheerful faces of winter pansies. These cold-hardy annuals come in a rainbow of colors, from bold primaries to soft pastels, brightening up your patio with their charm. Planted in containers or flower beds and sheltered by retractable screens, winter pansies can bloom profusely throughout the cooler months, providing a splash of color when you need it most. Read more: Southern Living: How to Grow and Care for Winter Pansies
6. Ornamental Kale and Cabbage (Brassica oleracea acephala and Brassica oleracea capitata):
   For a unique twist on winter gardening, consider incorporating ornamental kale and cabbage into your patio design. These cold-tolerant vegetables boast striking foliage in shades of green, purple, and pink, adding texture and visual interest to your outdoor space. With the protection of retractable screens, ornamental kale and cabbage can withstand frosty temperatures, making them a stylish and practical choice for winter container gardens. Read more: Home Depot: How to Grow Flowering Kale and Cabbage

As winter settles in, don’t let your Washington patio languish in neglect waiting for Spring. Instead, embrace the season’s beauty by transforming your outdoor space with cool weather outdoor plants and motorized retractable screens. Whether you’re captivated by the delicate blooms of winter jasmine or the vibrant hues of ornamental kale, there’s a wealth of options to suit every taste and style. With a bit of creativity and the right tools, your patio can become a haven of life and color, even in the depths of winter.

Remember, screens from Eclipse Screens & Shades are available in a variety of colors and fabrics to perfectly compliment your Washington home. The addition of clear vinyl will also help insulate your patio from the winter chill.

So, raise a mug to the magic of winter gardening and let your patio shine all season long!

Photos:
Winter Jasmine Image by Zhu Bing from Pixabay

Hellebores Image by Hans from Pixabay

Winter-Flowering Heather Image by mostlymarvelling from Pixabay

Cyclamen Image by Beverly Buckley from Pixabay

Winter Pansy Image by RococoNeko from Pixabay

Winter Kale Photo by Siegfried Poepperl