In the winter, my landscape looks so bleak. Are any plants that will add interest in a small garden without overwhelming it?
Great question. Many people are downsizing, looking to reduce maintenance in their small gardens, or desiring ways to make their gardens pop in the winter. Evergreens are just one of the garden gifts that keep on giving. Often they are undervalued for their usefulness in the landscape. There are certain things to consider when deciding on what type of evergreen you want to uplift the winter garden. Are you seeking a focal point to underplant with traditional winter annuals such as pansies? Would a formal hedge add a sense of structure to the winter garden? Do you want something fragrant as you wait for spring to arrive? Is foliage color or variegation enough to add in the garden? The plant options are quite plentiful to meet each of these requirements. Researching properly will make any of your choices the right choice, to be enjoyed in the garden for many years. Look for slow to moderate growing evergreens, dwarf varieties, as well as native trees and shrubs. There is such a diverse palette of plant material which can take center stage in the winter landscape.
As a focal point, choose an evergreen with interesting leaf texture such as Cryptomeria cultivars (Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegens Nana’), Pine tree cultivars (Pinus sylvestris ‘Glauca Nana’), Juniper cultivars (Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’), or Mountain hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida). Late fall or early spring bloom are also great ways to add interest when the garden is waning or waking up. Camellia (sasanqua), Sweet Box (Sarcococca rustifolia), Blueberry bush (Vaccinium corymbosum), Winterberry (Ilex verticillate), Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia aquifolium) or Cranberry Bush (Viburnum opulus ‘Compactum’) are all great choices.
For a mid-level to ground covering point of interest, consider an area of the garden to create a miniature evergreen garden. Adding seasonal drought tolerant annuals allows this space to have an entirely fresh look than in the winter. Most evergreens do not like wet feet – especially low growing and groundcovers. Using a small stone mulch, on a slightly mounded area, will allow the water to flow to the roots and drain away. Adding a little solar lighting or a small piece of art will add interest in all seasons, especially in the winter. Some low growing or groundcovers that keep their foliage over the winter are creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis), Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), Lenten rose (Hellebore orientalis), Epimedium (Barrenwort), Wall germander (Teucrium chamaedrys), Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and Creeping phlox (Phlox sublata).
Selecting the proper evergreen for the winter garden invites any homeowner to select the right plant to be enjoyed when the rest of the garden is at rest. The winter garden can be more exciting than a simple boxwood hedge.
What plants are great to include that will invite birds into my garden naturally?
Providing for our birds over the winter naturally can also be a treat for us as homeowners. Looking outdoors and watching the birds gather for food naturally can be quite the show. Consider planting native plants with berries such as Inkberry hollies (Ilex glabra), Winterberry (Ilex verticillate), Northern bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) or red twig dogwood (Osier Dogwood). These can be planted in pots to restrict their growth, while inviting nature into the garden. The fruit and foliage offer multi-season interest and are easily pruned for arrangements.
Teresa Speight is a garden writer and author of Cottage in the Court, https://www.cottageinthecourt.com. IG: @cottageincourt
