Learn / Ask The Landscape Professional
As I look at my garden with all of the snow, it looks barren and dreary. What can I do to add winter interest?
Answer
As the snow melts, walk through your garden and take stock of what's working and
what isn't. For example, do you have some interesting plants that already attract your
attention? Are there groupings of plants that have intriguing silhouettes and texture?
There are many plants available that look outstanding in the winter, even after their
leaves have dropped to the ground. Choosing plants with the characteristics below
with help add winter interest to your garden.
Fruit and Seed Plants: display beautiful seedpods and colorful fruits and berries
(Viburnum, Winterberry Holly)
Stem and Bark Plants: provide color and texture (peeling bark)
(Red Twig Dogwood, Stewartia, Birch)
Flowering Plants: have colorful blooms despite the cold
(Witch-hazel, Lenten Rose)
Evergreens: provide basic bones (structure) and texture to the garden
(False Cypress, Cryptomeria)
Ornamental Grasses: provide structure, texture and drama to the garden.
(Switch Grass, Sedges)
Garden Ornaments and Landscape Boulders: help to provide
focal points within the garden
Finally, if you wait until spring to cut back your garden perennials, the textures
of the remaining plants will be highlighted when it snows and, depending on your
plants, provide food, shelter and nesting materials for birds and animals.
I would be pleased to consult with you on an hourly fee basis or perform
an entire landscape design and installation for you. After discussions with you
and observation of your current garden, we can achieve spectacular results.
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About Linda Lillie
Linda K. Lillie is the President of Sprigs & Twigs, Inc, the premier
landscape design and maintenance, tree care, lawn care, stonework, and carpentry
service provider in southeastern Connecticut since 1997. She is a graduate of
Connecticut College in Botany, a Connecticut Master Gardener and a national
award winning landscape designer for her landscape design and landscape installation work.
