As winter nears, many gardens lose bright colors. The land looks plain and bare. The Morris Arboretum has a winter garden full of color, textures, and charm. Vince Morocco, the garden director, gives us winter gardening ideas. His words help us see that cold months bring beauty.
1. Colorful Stems and Berries
Many plants show red stems in winter. The red twig dogwood, or Cornus sericea, has red stems that stand out in the cold. Vince notes that young stems hold the red hue. A timely cut helps them stay bright and grow well in wet soil.
Winterberries, a type of Ilex verticillata, bring more red fruit to the scene. Their red berries stay on the bushes in cold weather. They draw birds in search of food. These berries grow in full sun and add a warm spot to the winter view.
2. Bark and Evergreen Trees
The bark on winter trees gives the garden new shape. The lace bark pine, or Pinus bungeana, has smooth bark with changing patterns. As the tree grows, its bark forms marks that show its age.
Evergreen trees keep the garden alive when many plants rest. The Japanese umbrella pine, known as Sciadopitys verticillata, grows slowly and keeps its leaves all year. Azaleas and other broadleaf evergreens change from green in summer to brown and red in winter. Their change tells us that winter can hold its own charm.
3. Winter Blooms
Some plants bloom even in the cold. Witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana, shows sunny yellow flowers when it is chilly. Its bloom proves that life can arise in winter.
4. Winter Gardening Advice
Vince says winter gardening does not mean to work in cold days. Instead, plan in spring and pick plants that hold interest in winter. Perennial flowers, ornamental grasses, and evergreen trees can fill a garden with life during winter months.
In conclusion, the Morris Arboretum shows how winter changes a garden with color, form, and texture. By caring for red stems, berries, bark, and evergreen trees, gardeners can see beauty in the cold. When soft light touches a snowy ground, trees and grasses form a sight that calls us to view nature anew. Whether you love gardens or seek a quiet spot outdoors, a winter trip to the Morris Arboretum can lift your view of the season.
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