Winter Landscaping Designs Idea

Most landscapers resign themselves to the fact that the onset of winter means taking time off from their hobby. With the exception of a few dead stalks and evergreens, the view out the window offers only a blanket of white.

For those who aren’t willing to pack it in for the season, there are numerous shrubs and trees that can dress up their otherwise dismal winter scene.

With it’s green foliage and bright colorful berries, holly has been a holiday favorite for many years. This bush heals well, even in the bitter cold of winter, and can be pruned to provide lovely decorations during the holiday season.

There are several types of holly available, such as China Holly, which is about 8 feet tall and round in shape and is also drought tolerant. A nice contrast to common holly is the Inkberry Holly, which is shorter and sports black berries as opposed to the normal red. A good alternative for those who want to attract the winter bird life in their area is the Winterberry Holly.

Birch trees are a good choice that retain their beauty all year long. The coloring of the wood and shape of the branches make this tree quite attractive, even though they are deciduous and loose their foliage in the fall.

The Paper birch will shed and fold it’s bark, giving it a very unique appearance. Another more colorful variety of Birch tree is the Yellow Birch. Most species of Birch will reach 60ft or more in height. If you’re looking for something smaller, the Young’s Weeping Birch is a great choice, growing only 6ft to 12ft high.

Although they can be found in many countries, Yew trees have been a Christmas favorite in Great Britain for many years. They can really add life to a winter landscape with their colorful berries and evergreen needles. The berries are poisonous, though, so avoid eating them.

Various Japanese plants are gaining popularity and will be a great addition to your landscape. The Japanese Barberry will survive up to Zone 3. It is round in shape and only a few feet high and wide. They will retain berries until late in the season and offer an array of beautiful fall colors.

The American version produces fruit that is very popular with birds, and can do well in Zones 2-8. Another benefit of these plants is the fact that deer will not destroy them. They also produce a very fragrant foliage that you will find enjoyable any time of year.

There are also certain types of grass that can add some much needed life to a winter backdrop. Plume grass is puffy on top with a long thin shaft, and will survive the entire year in Zones 4-9. Whether during the summer, or breaking up the white landscape during the winter months, you’ll find it to be an attractive addition to your yard or garden.

Winter doesn’t have to put an end to your landscaping. Some of the most lovely plants will thrive during the cold moths.

         

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