Best plants to create winter interest
Winterberry
Holly,
commonly called Winterberry, is easy to grow. It sheds its shiny, green
leaves during late fall; it bursts into bright red berries, unfolding a
vibrant red splash against your white landscape. You should plant male
and female hollies in close proximity, to help pollinate and bear fruit.
Put up a branch covered in berries in a vase to bring indoors the
festive atmosphere.
Witch hazel
Sometimes
called ‘Winter Bloom’, witch hazel is a popular ornamental shrub or
rarely a small tree. It carries clusters of rich yellow to orange red
flowers which bloom from fall to late winter. The flowers emit a heady
fragrance to perfume the air. The flowers are delicate, twisted and
ribbon-like, yet remarkably durable in less harsh conditions.
Sweet box
An
all-season showstopper, the thick evergreen leaves of sweet box will
liven up your yard. The plant breaks into sweet-smelling little white
blossoms in late winter that grow subsequently into little red berries.
Mock rush
Jutting
out of winter snow, this tough and erect ornamental grass lends winter
interest to your landscape. The spiked flowers filled with seeds attract
winged visitors like cardinals and juncos. You get to watch birds
flutter about, which goes unnoticed under the foliage usually.
Christmas rose
Commonly
called Hellebore, Christmas rose is an evergreen perennial flowering
plant with glossy, dark green, leather-like leaves. It is called by
other names such as ‘Winter Rose’ and ‘Lenten Rose’. It bears pure white
flowers that change into pink on aging as winter chill intensifies.
What’s the bonus? It is easy to grow and lives longer.
Snow drop
Snow
drop bears bell-shaped milky white flowers with green or greenish
yellow floral segments at the center. The flowers, resembling drops of
snow and flowering on a slender stalk, are pretty little additions to
enhance the winter interest.
Winter landscaping tips
Focus on hardscape
Winter
is the best time to refurbish existing hardscape such as a trellis, a
picket fence, a vintage garden bench, an arbor, a set of mailboxes or a
vintage garden sculpture. Mull over and figure out where the central
piece would draw the most attention, and make it the owner’s pride and
neighbor’s envy. Color your hardscape with a brilliant coat of paint (in
line with zonal guidelines) to offset the snowy, gray background.
Dress up your yard with containers
Bring
out your containers – hanging basket, window box or any urn that can
stand the frosty weather. Give it a new lease of life with a coat of
bright paint. Fill with evergreen branches – mix textures and colors to
craft an arresting scheme. Adorn the holders with evergreens, twigs of
unusual shapes and boughs with colorful berries.
Create a warm retreat
Identify
a spot in your yard for a blazing fire. Arrange some chairs and drape
with wool throws for added warmth – sure would it be the right nook to
enjoy dessert and make merry after dinner.
Protect plants from snow damage
Consult
with a landscaping professional on ways to protect shrubs and trees
that are prone to damage from snow and ice. Plan ahead in fall to
understand the kind of protection your plants would need during harsh
winter season.
Leaf mulch, burlap wraps, Styrofoam cones or small plastic greenhouses could act as winter shields to warm up tender plants.
