For many home gardeners, the changing of the calendar from vibrant autumn to stark winter signals an involuntary retirement—a time when secateurs are put away, patio furniture is stacked, and the landscape is essentially written off until spring brings a fresh start. But according to acclaimed garden designer and writer Jay Sifford, a truly great garden never takes the winter off. Instead, a well-conceived landscape should remain dynamic, compelling, and full of character all twelve months of the year.
To help gardeners rethink the potential of their outdoor spaces during every single month, Fine Gardening has announced its upcoming October live webinar, titled "Designing for Four Seasons of Interest in the Garden." Scheduled to broadcast live on October 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EDT, the virtual event will feature Sifford as the keynote presenter. The session aims to guide enthusiasts through the art and mechanics of weaving together structure, persistent bark, vivid berries, structural foliage, rich textures, and staggered seasonal blooms into an integrated landscape that always has something captivating to say, regardless of the weather or the date.
Get Expert Tips for Creating a Garden with Year-Round Interest
Drawing heavily from his comprehensive online learning course for Fine Gardening, titled "The Four Cornerstones of Great Garden Design," Sifford is set to demonstrate how homeowners can utilize narrative storytelling, artistic principles, and a touch of design magic to influence their plant selections. Rather than relying on sporadic bursts of summer color that leave vast stretches of the year looking desolate, attendees will learn how to approach plant selection through a multi-seasonal lens.
During the live broadcast, Sifford will delve into the critical importance of thoughtful layering and robust hardscape integration. He will explain how these foundational elements act as the structural skeleton of a garden, ensuring that as one season’s floral show gradually winds down, the next phase of visual interest is already seamlessly beginning. By the end of the session, participants are expected to view their garden’s traditional "off-season" not as a dead zone, but rather as an exciting design opportunity to showcase architectural plants, evergreen forms, and striking bark that might otherwise be overlooked during the exuberant height of summer.
The live webinar format will provide a unique opportunity for design enthusiasts to learn directly from a recognized industry leader from the comfort of their homes. Participants will be able to register through the official event portal, securing their virtual seats for what promises to be an educational and visually inspiring hour of horticultural insight.
Register Today and Join Us Live on October 16
As landscape design continues to evolve toward more sustainable, functional, and visually rewarding outdoor living spaces, understanding how to maximize year-round interest has become a priority for modern gardeners. Sifford’s presentation bridges the gap between high-end professional design theory and practical application for residential landscapes.
Jay Sifford is an award-winning garden designer and writer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His sophisticated, art-forward residential landscape designs have been featured numerous times in the pages of Fine Gardening, establishing him as a prominent voice in contemporary American horticulture. In addition to his writing and teaching engagements, his work has earned widespread peer and public recognition, including being voted Charlotte’s "Best of Houzz" landscape designer in 2024.
Gardeners interested in expanding their design knowledge beyond the typical spring and summer windows can explore additional educational resources provided by the publication. These include a broad archive of specialized webinars, subscription options for Fine Gardening All-Access to tap into extensive digital design databases, and a wealth of instructional gardening videos available on the official YouTube channel.
As the October 16 live date approaches, registration remains open for anyone looking to transform their approach to landscape planning and turn their outdoor spaces into year-round works of art.
