Winter colour in the garden

after more than 2 weeks of frozen ground and snow that is still lieing in flower beds, is there any colour left in the garden?.

Well ok, the colour isn't as bold or bright as it is in May or September, but there is plenty to brighten up the cold grey, so if there's nothing outside in your space, these may be things to add for the coming years.

Bergenia was one of the plants on my first ever plant identification list at college. They are great for ground cover, and will be fine in some shade. As you can see they have great colour on the underneath of their leaves.

I love all the Dogwoods (I think Cornus Alba Elegantisima was on that first ident list as well), but these dark stems on Cornus Kesselringii are now ones that I use frequently along with the brighter shades of Cornus Midwinter fire. Both types colour up best when they've had some really cold weather.

If you've got room for a small tree, then the birches will really shine in the winter. This one is Betula Sauwala White.

and although Conifers get a bad press because they are often planted in the wrong (too small) space. There are some fantastic small conifers that give fantastic winter colour. - Unfortunately I didn't write down the name of this one, anyone know which it is?

i'm off to see if the ground has defrosted enough for me to do any gardening.

Comments

[Meredehuit♥]

Lovely post. We often think of Winter as drab and dull, but there is color if you care to look for it. Love the Birch bark.

[Plant Pages]

In my country as the winter is not that harsh.. almost all plant types suitable for tropical climate grows with no problem.. Your pictures look great.
Sunu mariam