December is for Dreaming: Planning a Native Garden in Simcoe County

When winter settles in across Simcoe County and the landscape goes quiet, it might feel like the gardening season has come to a halt. In reality, December is one of the most important months for native plant gardeners. While the soil rests, this is the time to plan a landscape that works with local ecology rather than against it.

Reflect Through a Native Lens

Before planning new plantings, take time to evaluate your garden through a native-plant perspective:

• Which areas stayed too wet in spring or too dry in summer?

• Where did you see pollinators, birds, or beneficial insects most often?

• Which non-native plants required the most watering, pruning, or replacement?

Native plants are inherently tied to site conditions. December gives you the mental space to match plants to place — a foundational principle of sustainable landscape design.

Design for Simcoe County’s Natural Systems

Native plant gardening isn’t about recreating wilderness — it’s about working within local systems. Simcoe County landscapes are shaped by fluctuating moisture, freeze–thaw cycles, and diverse soil types left behind by glacial activity.

Winter planning is the time to:

• Identify sun, shade, and wind exposure

• Recognize areas influenced by snowmelt and seasonal runoff

• Group plants based on shared moisture and soil needs

Designing this way leads to healthier plant communities that require less intervention over time.

Choose Natives That Do the Work for You

December is ideal for researching and selecting plants that provide real ecological value:

• Early bloomers that support emerging pollinators

• Deep-rooted species that stabilize soil and improve infiltration

• Seed-producing plants that support birds through fall and winter

By planning now, you can ensure your garden offers food, shelter, and structure across all seasons — not just during peak bloom.

Order Native Seeds and Plants Early

Native plants are in high demand, and reputable suppliers often sell out early. Winter ordering allows time to:

• Source locally grown or Ontario-proven genetics

• Plan for bare-root or plug installation in spring

• Understand stratification or dormancy requirements for native seeds

Many native species benefit from cold stratification — making winter the perfect planning window.

Design for Structure and Winter Interest

A common misconception is that native gardens look messy in winter. In truth, structure is a design choice.

December planning allows you to intentionally:

• Leave seed heads and stems for wildlife

• Use grasses and shrubs for winter form

• Balance naturalistic planting with clear edges and paths

Thoughtful design is what separates a “wild” look from a well-designed native landscape.

Plan for Long-Term Success, Not Instant Results

Native gardens reward patience. December is when you decide to:

• Allow plants time to establish

• Embrace seasonal change rather than fight it

• Design for resilience instead of constant maintenance

This mindset leads to landscapes that improve every year instead of wearing out.

Why Winter Planning Matters for Native Gardens

In Simcoe County, spring doesn’t ease in — it arrives quickly. Native plant gardeners who plan in December are ready to act as soon as conditions allow, installing plants at the right time and in the right place.

Winter may quiet the garden, but it sharpens the gardener’s vision.

Great native landscapes don’t start in spring soil — they start with winter planning.