During the winter, your yard might not look as lush and beautiful as you'd like it to. In fact, it might look downright lifeless. That's because most of your yard will go to sleep during the winter, leaving you with the remnants of your spring garden. However, winter doesn't need to mean that you're stuck with a dreary yard. In fact, with a little time and effort, you can have a beautiful, cheery yard, all winter long. Here are four simple steps you can take to bring some cheer to your winter landscaping.

Don't Clear Out All Your Dormant Plants

If some of your plants have gone to sleep for the winter, you may be planning a day to go out and clear them away. Those plans may including cutting away the tops of your dormant ornamental grasses. However, you shouldn't clear them away too soon. First, you want to give them enough time to spread their seeds naturally. Second, those dormant grasses can add some texture to your winter landscaping. Finally, your dormant plants are providing the perfect place for birds to frolick in during the winter. Birds can add a lively touch to your winter garden, especially when you can see them.

Add Some Color to Your Lawn

During the winter, your lush green lawn will turn yellow, which might be the last thing you want to see when you look out your windows. Luckily, you don't need to be stuck with yellow lawns during the winter. Spraying your lawn with a non-toxic dye will keep it looking beautiful and green all winter long. Best of all, it won't hurt your lawn, your plants, your animals, or your kids. All you need is a bottle of liquid fertilizer, some Epsom salt, green food coloring, and a garden sprayer. Pour one bottle of liquid fertilizer into your garden sprayer, and add between 3-4 pounds of Epsom salt, and ½ cup of green food coloring. Mix the solution to dissolve the Epsom salt, and then spray your lawn.

Bring in Some Native Plants

Once you have your lawn looking beautiful again, you'll need to turn your attention towards your plants. Adding fresh plants during the winter will help keep your yard looking alive and vibrant. The best way to keep your yard looking beautiful during the winter is to bring in some plants that are native to the region where you live. Plants that are native to the area are better prepared to survive the winters, which means you won't need to worry about them dying before spring arrives.

If you're tired of looking at dormant landscaping this winter, use the tips provided here to breathe some fresh air into your surroundings. Talk to your landscaper about other ways to liven up your yard this winter.