The seasons may change but the beauty of your garden doesn’t have to.

Some plants only bloom for a few weeks in a year. A professional providing lawn care services in Manassas, Virginia offers the following suggestions on what plants you can use in your garden to keep it lush and lovely regardless of the season:

1. Evergreens

People often think of evergreens when the subject of year-round flora comes up.

Depending on the size of the yard, you can opt for massive trees such as pines and acacias. Trees such as the sweet olive and the Saratoga sweet bay laurel are recommended for homeowners who are looking for lush trees that require little maintenance.

Looking for something small but tough? Consider the hop bush. Gardeners love using the hop bush for its ability to thrive even in poor soil.

If you need an evergreen shrub that catches the eye, there is the “Tequila Sunrise” coprosma. Its small, shiny leaves feature a host of colors including emerald green, gold, pink and orange.

Another option is the winter heath. This small shrub features dozens of tiny pink flowers that come into full bloom around the months of December until February.

2. Perennials

Contrary to popular belief, not all perennials die during the cold winter months. Some plants may appear dead but beneath the ground, there is a lot of activity. Perennials use this time to prepare for the coming spring months.

There is a wide selection of perennials to choose from, including purple catmints to the cool blue forget-me-nots. For year-long greens, the beard tongue and the rudbeckia are two potential options.

A more fragrant option is lavender. Its grayish-green leaves stay intact from spring to winter. Blooms pop out during the spring while its fragrance remains dominant throughout the summer months.

3. Grasses and ground cover

Grasses don’t have to look drab, ordinary or just green. Add color with the cordyline which features long leaves in a deep burgundy color. Requiring little water and resistant to deer, the cordyline is sure to grab attention regardless of the climate.

For a brighter option, there is the lomandra. The white and green streaks can add life and color to your garden.

To add winter interest, plant northern sea oats or river oats. This low-maintenance plant turns from gold to a lighter yellow hue over time.

When it comes to ground cover, consider variants of the Epimedium plant. The Sulphureum species features evergreen leaves and yellow flowers that bloom during the spring. For a more vibrant ground cover, go for the Frohnleiten variant with its red and green leaves, and bright yellow flowers.

4. Flowers

Flower types that bloom throughout the year may be few but not hard to find. Try out the Chinese hibiscus which comes in different colors.

There are other blossoming plants to consider but may require more effort to keep them blooming year round. Star clusters and the sweet alyssum are other plants you can look into if you don’t mind the extra work involved.

5. Vines

Plants are not just intended as natural ground cover. You can have plants lining trellises, fences, wooden supports and even the walls of your home. Jasmine and crossvine are two options for climbers.

Madison jasmines are distinguished by their dark green leaves. Much like other jasmine varieties, it releases a lovely fragrance. Plus, it produces delicate white blooms during the summer and spring months.

A viable alternative is the crossvine. The leaves on this vine remain green even during the cold winter months. Trumpet-shaped blooms in a mix of yellow, orange and red come out during the warmer spring months.

Looking for other options for your garden? Consult gardeners, landscapers or plant nurseries in your area. A master of landscaping in Manassas, Virginia can provide you with tips and suggestions regarding what plants are available in this part of the state.

 Mix and match to see what works in your garden. Through experimentation, you will produce a unique garden that you will enjoy looking at regardless of the time or season.