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Top Winter Landscaping Ideas to Transform Your Santa Fe Outdoors

Imagine a crisp winter morning in Santa Fe, with the sun touching homes’ roofs and the scent of piñon wood burning in nearby fireplaces and filling the air. Then, the lazy evening painting the sky in orange and purple, transforming the world into a colorful wonderland.

In these moments, you might find yourself dreaming of savoring the season right in the middle of your garden or yard.

So, what do you need to feel cozy in the open? Inspiring winter landscaping ideas, of course!

The experts at Urbanna Landscaping will take you on a landscaping journey and show you how to transform your outdoor space.

Read on!

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What Is Winter Landscaping?

Winter landscaping is the art of keeping your outdoor spaces attractive and practical during the colder months when most plants are dormant.

This includes:

Using beautiful elements that thrive despite low temperatures, frost, and snow.

Keeping pathways, patios, and other areas functional so that you can use them whenever you want.

Benefits of Winter Landscaping

If you haven’t considered this as an option, here’s the good news — there are special benefits to winter landscaping that can make your outdoor area a valuable asset.

Year-Round Enjoyment

By adding cozy elements like fire pits, heated seating areas, and evergreen plants, winter landscaping allows you to enjoy your Santa Fe outdoor settings, even during colder months.

Low Maintenance

Winter landscaping relies on junipers or native grasses and well-planned xeriscaping, including gravel pathways and stone patios. This means you will have a clean, polished landscape that requires minimum maintenance.

Increased Property Value

An attractive appearance makes your home stand out even in darker, colder weather.

But it is not only for you to enjoy — it makes your property attractive for potential buyers.

Read more about how landscaping increases your home value in our guide.

A decorative figure in a Santa Fe yard​
Winter landscaping makes your outdoor space appealing in cold weather and increases your property value​

Winter Landscaping Ideas

With a little creativity and some planning, you can turn your Santa Fe outdoor space into a magical winter haven — here are inspiring ideas you might like.

Cozy Fire Pit Corner

Want a cozy place to gather with family and friends during chilly Santa Fe evenings? Build or install a stone or brick fire pit.

  • Use gravel or flagstone to create a natural base that requires minimal upkeep.
  • Install built-in stone benches and add cushions in warm, earthy tones.
  • Place string lights or lanterns around for a welcoming and warm ambiance.

Winter Garden

Dreaming of a vibrant space that stays colorful even in winter? Plant evergreens!

  • Choose junipers, pinyon pines, or boxwoods — all suitable for Santa Fe’s cold-but-not-too-cold winter climate.
  • Add winterberry holly or cotoneaster for a pop of color.
  • Use ornamental grasses for texture and movement.
  • Arrange stone pathways to highlight your garden’s design.

Lighting Wonderland

Want a magical outdoor retreat that shines during long winter nights? Consider lighting in all its forms.

  • Install LED pathway lights along walkways and driveways.
  • Wrap string lights around trees for a festive, cozy glow.
  • Use solar-powered lights to keep energy costs low.

Tips for Striking Winter Landscapes

To create a fairy-tale winter landscape requires planning every step with care and attention. Our experts at Urbanna Landscaping have put together key tips to help you make your outdoor space truly enchanting.

  • Focus on evergreens: Evergreen trees and shrubs create a soft and relaxing winter landscape. For colorful accents, choose plants that have bright, eye-catching berries like holly, pyracantha, or juniper.
  • Play with texture and layers: Pair soft, ornamental grasses with stone landscaping elements like benches and sculptures. Arrange plants of different heights — for example, low groundcovers and taller shrubs — to add interesting dimensions.
  • Illuminate the landscape: Winter’s shorter days require outdoor lighting to show your garden in its full beauty. Use string lights, lanterns, or uplights to turn your yard into a magical retreat. For more landscape lighting ideas, check out our recent article.
  • Use hardscaping: Flagstone patios and firepits add a charming look to your Santa Fe’s home and allow you to use your front or back garden even when it is cold. They create cozy gathering spaces where you can relax and enjoy the fresh winter air while staying warm and comfortable. Learn how to make an outdoor fireplace.
  • Add a touch of art: Terracotta pots with rustic wooden accents or decorative planters can give your winter landscape an artistic touch. Choose pieces such as handcrafted ceramics or metalwork that reflect the rustic Southwestern style.
Firethorn shrubs under the snow​
To create beautiful winter landscaping, use evergreens and plants with bright berries​

Create Beautiful Winter Landscapes With Urbanna Landscaping

At Urbanna Landscaping, we use a custom approach to every client and project to turn outdoor spaces into stunning, functional landscapes that delight year-round.

Our expert team takes care of every aspect, from the initial design phase to the final execution, ensuring every detail reflects your vision and boosts your home’s value.

If you want to enjoy the charm of beautiful winter landscapes right in your front or back yard, we will:

  • Listen to your ideas about how you envision your place and what exactly you need.
  • Recommend plants and shrubs that give your place a lush feel.
  • Plan and install hardscaping elements like fire pits, patios, and pathways.
  • Recommend and install special lighting to add a warm and inviting glow to your outdoor area.
  • Take care of your garden and protect your plants from frost and harsh weather, so that they are ready to bloom in spring (Read more about winter preparation for spring landscaping).

Whatever your winter dream might be, Urbanna Landscaping’s team will make it happen, leaving you to enjoy cozy memorable days and nights under the Santa Fe’s winter sky.

Ready to transform your outdoor space?

Winter Landscaping: FAQs

If you still have questions about how to make the most of your winter landscape, check out the section below.

How can I prevent my plants from freezing in winter?

To prevent plants from freezing in winter, choose frost-resistant plants and use mulch to insulate the roots. In extremely cold periods, cover more sensitive plants with frost blankets.

How to take care of my outdoor furniture during the winter months?

During the winter months, store furniture in a dry, sheltered space or use weatherproof covers to protect it from snow and rain.

What’s the benefit of working with a professional landscaping agency for winter landscaping?

A professional landscaping agency like Urbanna Landscaping has the knowledge and experience to design, install, and maintain your winter landscape, taking care of plants and hardscaping in cold weather.