How to get beyond humdrum
Even in the cold, snow and dreariness of
January, there's actually a lot of seasonal color and interest to capture the
eye outside. It may not be in your yard - but it could be!
Take time to look around when you're outside
walking the dog or driving. Pay attention to what draws your eye in neighbors' yards or in
the park. The colors of winter are subtle - but there are other aspects to
enjoy that you won't see in July when the petunias are in your face.
Winter gives unusual textures against the
backdrop of snow. It also offers movement and shape. Even if you don't know the
plants you're looking at, take pics with your phone of what you like best. You
can ID the plants later with a pro - and make them your wish list for what
you'll plant later this year.
How to bring home more color,
texture and movement
Which colors catch your eye? There's the standard green
of evergreen pine and spruce trees and many low-growing juniper. Other shades
of green show up in broadleaf evergreens like euonymus and groundcovers such as
tanacetum. You will need to look hard for bright colors, but they will show up
in red berries of hawthorn trees or bare stems of yellow and red dogwood
against the snow. Photograph what you like that's not in your yard now.
Look for unusual shapes and texture. Details, like the bark on
trees overlooked during the growing season, are among nature's standouts in
winter. Notice the exfoliating bark of river birch. Shrubs like St. John's wort
offer color and texture when dried leaves and seeds cling to colorful stems.
Even small dried pods of Echinacea plants add texture in the winter garden and
food for wildlife foragers.
Without their leaves, some trees like the Kentucky coffee tree
transform into a craggy silhouette. They are Mother Nature's sculpture seen
only in winter. Snap a pic of what appeals to you.
Create movement. In the gusty winds of
winter, tall ornamental grasses offer interest through movement - especially
when grouped in large clumps. Pampas, maiden, feather reed and native bluestem
grasses are good choices to add motion to the landscape. Shoot a video on a
breezy day so you can add similar sway in your yard.
The winter-scape will never be as eye-popping
as a sea of pink petunias, but it's not supposed to be. Winter is nature's season
of rest and rejuvenation and its beauty echoes all that's quiet and subtle.
Look around to see what will make your winter
yard better than boring and make it a spring planting project.