Grounding Into Winter:
Yoga, Landscape, and the Art of Seasonal Reset
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, winter invites us to slow down, conserve energy, and reconnect with what truly nourishes us. As both a yoga teacher and a landscape designer, I’ve always loved how nature mirrors the inner practices we explore on the mat. Winter is nature’s exhale—a quiet pause before the next cycle of growth.
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Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. – Ovid​​
​Upcoming Workshop: An Evening of Inner Stillness
I’m excited to announce my upcoming winter workshop designed to help you move into the season with intention and ease.
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Saturday, January 3rd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Breathe Together Yoga, Los Gatos
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What to expect:
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Guided meditation
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Intention setting
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Movement
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Deep relaxation
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It’s a cozy, nourishing evening created to help you slow down and reset from the inside out.
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Teaching Schedule:
Little House Location: ​
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Mondays ~ Candlelit Flow & Yoga Nidra 6:30-8:00pm
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Tuesdays ~ Flow 10:00-11:00am
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Thursdays ~ Ashtanga inspired 8:30-10:00am
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Sundays ~ Flow & Community Tea 10:00-11:30am
Breathe Together Yoga:
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Thursdays ~ Tapas (hot ) 6:00-7:00am
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Fridays ~ Tapas (hot ) 9:00-10:15am
Winter Landscape Tips for Bay Area Gardeners: Caring for Your Outdoor Sanctuary
Just like our inner world, our gardens benefit from thoughtful winter care. Here are a few simple ways to support your landscape this season:
1. Remove Excessive Leaf Litter
Some leaves and mulch are good. If it starts building up too thick it's time to rake some away. Aim for a mulch layer no deeper than 2-3 inches.
2. Prune With Purpose
Winter is ideal for structural pruning on many deciduous plants. Think fruit trees (stone fruits, apples, and pears), grapes, and roses. Any hard pruning on perennials should wait until the end of winter ~ end of January or February, sometimes later.
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3. Don’t Forget to Water
We've had a pretty wet season so far so the ground doesn't need extra watering. In fact, now is the time to turn off your irrigation timers if you haven't already. With that being said, don't forget about the pockets of your yard that are under overhangs. Those plants may dry out. Pots on covered porches need water as well.
4. Support Local Wildlife
Leave seed heads, leaf litter (remember the 2-3 inch rule of thumb), or small brush piles in tucked-away spots to give birds and beneficial insects shelter and food.
5. Observe, Plan, Dream
Now is also a great time to move plants that you've decided would be better in a different location. Dig wide to save as many roots as you can! With the garden resting, winter is a wonderful time to imagine new designs, plant palettes, or simple improvements you’d like to make in spring.
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Honoring the Season—Inside and Out
Whether you join me for the winter workshop, regular classes, or spend this season tending gently to your outdoor space, I hope winter brings you moments of stillness, clarity, and renewal.
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Thank you for being here. More yoga resources, workshops, and landscape tips are on the way!
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~ Kourtney