How to Observe Your Yard in Winter: Identifying Patterns for Better Gardening and Wildlife Support
Winter is a quiet yet revealing time for a half-acre forest garden. While many might see a bare landscape, it’s actually an opportunity to make observations that will guide the growth and sustainability of the garden in the seasons to come. With the trees bare, snow covering the ground, and wildlife activity slowed, winter offers a clearer view of the land’s patterns—how sunlight moves across the space, where water gathers, and how the ecosystem supports its inhabitants. By taking a moment to observe and reflect on these aspects, you can ensure that your forest garden remains healthy, resilient, and in harmony with nature as it continues to evolve year after year. Winter is supposedly dormant in the garden, but we've found evidence to the contrary. In keeping with the permaculture practice of observation, here's the latest few notes and findings from our Tiny Forest Farm.
Our yard is set up with a large patio area and garden, as well as a forested area behind it. The great benefit to us is that the forest took over and has kept the soil mostly fertile and untouched. It also means that the inhabitants of the forest (plants, animals and fungi) are well established in their own rhythms. Winter is no exception, and the snowfall has allowed us to learn much more about their behaviors, where they make their homes, and what their preferences are.
A bit about our trails:
We have many visible tracks -- mostly squirrel and rabbit as the chipmunks keep within their burrow during winter months and the fence keeps the foxes, deer and coyote out.
There are two kinds of trails: paths and super highways. Paths sort of wander as if the animal was just exploring, whereas super highways are well worn transits from one location (such as a nest or a burrow) to another (such as a food source).
Our trails reveal small animal entrances and exists on our property on the north, east, and south sides.
What it tells us about our forest:
Wild rabbits and squirrels are very busy in winter, and that provides some interesting benefits.
The trails show us that our large wood piles are perfect havens for wildlife, especially during winter. This one I knew already, but winter has crystallized the point. We'll be moving our wood around this season so much of these patterns will shift, but it will help us think more deeply about where the new piles will go, how we'll stack them, and their relationship to other elements in our yard.
We have more of an exposed yard to wildlife than I previously thought. We inspected the fence originally and found it sound, but winter has revealed how tricky animals can be when they want to source food. What a great insight to have -- it's already changed our garden plan a bit.
How to Observe Your Yard in Winter: Identifying Patterns for Better Gardening and Wildlife Support
Winter is often seen as a quiet time for gardens, but it’s actually one of the best seasons to observe your yard in a new way. The bare trees, frosty ground, and snow-covered landscape reveal patterns that might be hidden during the growing season. By taking some time to study your yard during the winter months, you can identify key environmental factors that can help you design a more sustainable garden, improve wildlife habitat, and ensure your plants thrive when the weather warms. Here’s how you can make the most of this quiet, reflective time of year.
1. Examine Sunlight and Shade
In the winter, the angle of the sun shifts, and the longer shadows can reveal areas in your yard that get full sunlight, partial shade, or deep shade. This information is crucial for garden planning—by knowing how the sun moves across your property, you can decide where to plant sun-loving species like native grasses and flowering plants, and where to place shade-loving plants such as ferns or woodland species. Winter offers a clearer view of your yard’s microclimates, which can help you plan for a diverse and successful garden in the warmer months.
2. Observe Wind Patterns
Winter winds can be harsh and can significantly affect how certain areas of your garden perform. Observe which parts of your yard are most exposed to strong winds and which areas are sheltered by trees, fences, or other structures. This information will help you make decisions about where to place more delicate plants or where to plant windbreaks like evergreens. A well-placed windbreak can protect wildlife during the winter and help prevent soil erosion. Additionally, wind patterns may reveal areas where snow accumulates, creating a natural mulch layer that supports soil health.
3. Look for Evidence of Wildlife
Even in winter, your yard is likely home to various wildlife species, from birds and squirrels to larger mammals. Take note of tracks in the snow, nests in trees, and areas where animals are foraging. These observations are valuable for planning how to support wildlife throughout the year. For example, if you notice birds congregating around certain plants or areas of your yard, this could be a sign that those spots offer shelter, food, or both. You can build on this by planting more native shrubs and trees that provide food sources like berries or seeds, or installing bird feeders and shelters in key spots.
4. Assess Water Flow and Drainage
Winter is an ideal time to observe how water flows through your yard, especially after a snowstorm or heavy rain. Look for areas where water collects or pools, as these might indicate poor drainage spots. In the spring, this could lead to areas of standing water that can damage your plants or become breeding grounds for pests. Identifying these spots now allows you to plan for better drainage solutions or to choose plants that thrive in wet conditions, such as certain types of willows, sedges, or native wetland plants.
5. Notice Soil and Mulch Conditions
Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles can have a big impact on your garden soil. Walk around your yard to see where the soil appears exposed, compacted, or frozen, as well as where mulch is lacking or has washed away. By noting these areas, you can plan for soil amendments or mulching practices to improve garden health in the spring. Adding organic matter like compost or mulch can help retain moisture, protect plant roots from the cold, and improve soil structure. By winterizing your garden in advance, you’re setting up a healthier growing environment for the upcoming seasons.
6. Identify Potential Problem Areas
Winter is the time when weak spots in your garden or yard become more apparent. Are there areas of heavy snow accumulation where plants tend to bend or break? Are there areas where snow melt causes excessive moisture that could lead to root rot or fungal issues come spring? Observing these areas now allows you to make proactive changes, such as planting more resilient species or improving drainage. You can also install structures like garden arches or trellises to provide extra support for plants in windy or snow-heavy areas.
7. Plan for Seasonal Transitions
Winter offers an opportunity to imagine how your garden will evolve as the seasons change. How do plants look when bare, and how can you incorporate elements that provide interest during the colder months? Evergreens, ornamental grasses, and seed heads are wonderful additions to any garden for winter beauty and support for wildlife. Identifying these features now will help you design a more dynamic garden, providing year-round visual appeal and habitat for pollinators and other beneficial creatures.
8. Plan for Future Plantings
Winter is the perfect time to plan for spring and beyond. Based on your winter observations, make notes about areas that need improvement or could benefit from specific plantings. For instance, if you notice that certain areas are too shaded for some of your existing plants, consider replacing them with shade-tolerant species. Alternatively, if you have areas that seem to lack color or texture during winter, think about adding plants that provide winter interest, like holly, winterberry, or ornamental kale.
Winter offers a unique opportunity to observe your yard in ways that may not be as apparent during the busy growing season. By taking a closer look at sunlight, wind, water flow, wildlife activity, and soil conditions, you can make informed decisions about how to enhance your garden and create a supportive environment for both plants and wildlife. These observations will not only make your gardening efforts more sustainable but will also ensure that your garden thrives in harmony with the natural world. So, grab a notebook, bundle up, and take some time this winter to observe—your garden will thank you for it come spring!