Project of the Month December 2009

A garden in winter is a place of subtleties. During the cold, short winter days when we cannot spend time outdoors enjoying our patios and garden spaces the view from our windows should still be one of beauty and interest.   The beautiful structure or “bones” of the garden emerge as plants grow dormant in the fading winter light.  Winter’s white snow is the perfect back drop for natural tones.

Photo Descriptions:

1. Decked with the color of flowering perennials and annuals during the growing season the warm earth tones of the stone masonry in this backyard gate is what catches the eye in winter.
2. The geometric structure of stone walls, used as an organizing element in the garden contrast with the lacy branches of a Weeping Cherry tree and the solid, pyramidal mass of a Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’).
3. The snow crusted appearance of a Blue Colorado Spruce stands out amidst the deciduous forest branches. The crimson blush at the foot of the Spruce is provided by Hypericum ‘Albury Purple’.
4. A rime of ice decorates the delicate twigs of Hypericum ‘Albury Purple’.
5. Another color standout in the winter landscape are the twigs of the Red Stemmed Dogwood, Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’. The salmon colored stems behind the Dogwood are the peeling, paper-like bark of a ‘Heritage’ River Birch, Betula nigra ‘Heritage’.
6. This layered planting, designed to give privacy to a swimming pool (now covered with snow) provides a great deal of interest in the winter months. River Birch and Japanese Stewartia visually tie the planting to the woodland beyond. Serbian and Norway Spruce give tall, evergreen color in the background which ties in with shorter evergreen shrubs in the foreground (Juniper and Inkberry Holly). A taupe mane of ornamental grasses provides a color accent in the middle ground (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Autumnalis’).
7. The delicate fern like curls created by the spent flower heads of Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sp.) are attractive to nest-building birds in the spring.
8. Over 30 kinds of birds remain in our area during the cold of winter. They include Cardinals, Chickadees, Morning Doves, Wrens, Blue Jays, Juncos, Grackles and Woodpeckers. Many plants provide an excellent winter food source for them such as this native American Holly (Ilex opaca ‘Jersey Girl’). Birds hunting and sheltering in the winter garden give it a lively interest throughout the season.