As temperatures drop and winter settles in, it is the perfect time to give your perennials, roses, and shrubs the protection they need to come back strong in spring. With a few smart steps, you can help your landscape ride out the cold months and avoid damage from frost, wind, and fluctuating temperatures.
Start With Healthy Soil
A good winter begins with strong soil. Before the first hard freeze, clean up fallen leaves and debris around your plants, then top-dress with a fresh layer of high quality soil or compost. This helps regulate moisture, improves drainage, and gives plant roots a buffer from temperature swings. Fran’s Flowers carries nutrient-rich soils and composts ideal for fall and early winter prep.
Mulch Is Your Best Winter Tool
Mulch acts like a natural blanket by insulating plant roots and keeping the ground temperature steady. Apply two to four inches of shredded bark, pine mulch, or straw around the base of perennials and shrubs. For roses, mound mulch higher around the crown to protect graft unions and tender new growth. Mulch also prevents soil heaving, which can push roots upward during freeze-thaw cycles.
Protect Sensitive Plants With Burlap
Harsh winter winds can dry out evergreen shrubs, roses, and young plants. Wrapping them in breathable burlap helps block windburn while still allowing air circulation. Use stakes to create a simple frame around shrubs, then secure burlap loosely so it does not trap moisture. Burlap wraps sold at Fran’s Flowers are designed specifically for winter protection and hold up well outdoors.
Water Strategically Before Deep Freeze
Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil. Give your plants a final deep watering before the ground freezes completely. This keeps roots hydrated through winter and reduces stress on perennials and shrubs that remain semi-active even in cold conditions.
Avoid Pruning Too Late
Pruning encourages new growth, which can be damaged by cold weather. Hold off on heavy pruning until late winter or early spring when temperatures are rising. The only exception is removing broken or diseased branches, which should be cleared at any time.
Shop Winter Supplies at Fran’s Flowers
Mulch, compost, potting soil, and burlap wraps are available now to help you prepare your landscape for winter. Fran’s Flowers is located at 1 Worcester Road in Shoppers World, Framingham, MA 01701, and the phone number is 508-655-8424.