Focal Points
Focal
points include sculpture, garden structures, boulders or containers. They can
create dramatic or subtle, year-round interest within the landscape. Garden
features such as ponds, arbors or a lone container become the center of
attention when placed in contrast with their surroundings.
Color and Structure
For
a splash of winter color, consider going evergreen. Evergreens can bring color
to the landscape when the mercury is bottoming out. Even the color brown can
make its own bold statement. A bare deciduous tree against a curtain of green
brings structure and style to almost any planting.
Fragrance
"Never
underestimate the winter fragrances that can lure you outdoors, even in cold
weather," says garden author Marianne Binetti. For example, witch hazel (Hamamelis
sp.) has a sweet fragrance, regardless of how cold the temperature. There are
yellow and orange varieties available. Fragrant plants can do double-duty in
the garden. Sweet box (Sarcococca ruscifolia) infuses a pleasant vanilla
scent to the air and produces black berries that provide additional color and
pizzazz.
Winter Chores
Winter
is also the time to tackle a few chores in the yard that don't seem as obvious
during the rest of the year. There are several plants that can be pruned in
winter. For early spring-blooming plants such as Lenten rose, cut back
tattered, old foliage left over from last year. Cutting back the foliage allows
the winter blooms to be more prominent and inhibits the potential spread of
mold or disease. (Note: when pruning back, take care to avoid cutting back new
growth.) Prune out tree or shrub branches that are crossing or rubbing against
one another. This task can be more easily accomplished in the wintertime
because you can see the skeleton or framework of the deciduous trees.
Winter Safety
Don't
forget about safety, especially when it comes to walking on icy surfaces. To
reduce potentially slippery hazards, use organic kitty litter as an alternative
to salt. Since salt can wash into your flower beds and sterilize the soil,
non-chemical kitty litter will provide traction without being hazardous to
nearby plantings. Look for kitty litter that contains vermiculite or pumice. As
an added benefit, staying on paths or sidewalks keeps you out of the soggy
soil.
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