Many Wisconsinites
might be resigned to enjoy their landscapes during those six
months when the weather is warm and everything is green and
growing. A well-designed landscape, however, can provide an
abundance of quiet beauty and wildlife activity
year-round-just the ticket to make those seemingly endless
winter months much more enjoyable.
Form is the foundation of the winter landscape. If the
contrast in shape and texture of plant material is an
important part of a well-executed summer landscape, just
imagine what our winter scenery might be like without these
elements!
Evergreen trees and shrubs like Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrup'
(American arborvitae), growing only 6-8 feet tall and 2-3 feet
wide, and Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Heaven' (Rocky Mountain
Juniper) add a sculptural element as their branches catch
newfallen snow. In contrast to these solid formations, Cornus
alternifolia (Pagoda dogwood), a smaller deciduous tree with
layered branches, and Malus 'Red Jade' (Weeping crabapple) can
be pleasing elements when only their leafless branches are
visible.
An additional menu of plants with wonderful winter interest
can also be found with perennial plants and ornamental
grasses. Perennials such as Sedum 'Autumn Joy' and Rudbeckia
fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm' (Black-eyed Susan), for
example, left over winter can add dimension and texture to
otherwise uninteresting surroundings. Similarly, the dramatic
spikes and plumes of ornamental grasses like Miscanthus
sinensis (Eulalia grass) and Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl
Foerster' (Reed grass) sway in the winter wind.
A little color goes a long way. With the browns and
grays of a frozen landscape covered eventually by a sea of
white snow, glimpses of color provided by well-chosen plants
can add substantial interest to the winter landscape.
Evergreens provide a reliable source of color year-round,
but are certainly magnified against a snowy backdrop. The many
spruces, pines, arborvitae, yews, and other evergreens
available in the marketplace offer a choice of greens, blues,
and grays to fit the color needs of nearly any landscape
design.
When choosing deciduous trees and shrubs, be sure not to
overlook the touch of color and texture that can be provided
by bark and fruits. The beautiful light brown bark of Betula
nigra 'Heritage' (River birch) for example, is especially
appealing because of its exfoliating characteristics. The
fruits of flowering crabapples Malus 'Candied Apple' or M.
'Profusion' (which by the way are resistant to apple scab and
rust) can also serve up a treat for the eyes as well as for
the birds that over-winter here.
Observe and take notes! As winter descends on your
landscape, pay attention to its shapes, textures, and colors.
Are there areas that are appealing in summer but hardly
noticeable under the cover of snow? Make notes of what might
add height, color, or other interesting effects. With a little
planning, you'll be able to incorporate these elements into
your landscape so they enhance your spring and summer
enjoyment as well as provide lasting beauty in the winter
months that follow.
