December 2009

Winter brings about a quiet time in the garden. It is the season of rest. Herbaceous perennials have frozen to the ground, deciduous trees and shrubs have lost their leaves, and just about all but our winter annuals have stopped blooming.

It is at this time that we really learn to appreciate the importance of a strong evergreen backbone in the garden. Maintaining a sense of structure and architecture without any of our herbaceous or deciduous vegetation is critical to providing winter interest.

At the same time, we must be careful not to over-do it with the evergreen plantings. Landscapes that look the same regardless of the season are static and boring. How can you experience the delight of Canna or Ginger popping up through the ground in Spring unless you go through Winter without them?

We rely on that evergreen backbone for a lot of the structure in our gardens, but there are plenty of other ways to provide visual interest through these winter months. Hardscape features such as walls, walk ways, boulders, sculptures, fountains, pergolas, and seating areas that may have been overshadowed by lush vibrant perennials may now enjoy the spotlight. Fire pits may take center stage on these brisk winter nights beckoning for marshmallows. And the Possumhaw Holly with its bright red berries on bare branches is always a pleasant surprise.

Of course there is plenty we can do to “fill up” a garden in the winter – particularly when formal entertaining is involved. Winter annuals provide a great splash of color. Container plantings add architectural and vegetative interest. The sowing of Rye Grass seed will “green up” a dormant lawn. Sculptural and decorative items may draw attention and spark conversation. Yes, we provide all of those services, and also can take care of the maintenance issues that arise in Winter. This is the time for pruning, cutting back, replenishing mulch, and tidying up. In short, it’s time to get ready for Spring.

The key point to remember is that here in Central Texas we have a tiny bit of Winter mixed with a whole lot of Summer. So enjoy the brisk days and quiet time in the garden while you can. Before you know it the ground will be exploding with new perennial growth, the buds on our deciduous trees will burst with leaves, birds and butterflies will abound, and you will be very glad you have a beautiful outdoor living space in which to experience it all.