We are serendipitously writing this winter edition on the evening of the full snow moon. Fortunately, nature has aligned perfectly, and snowflakes are gracefully falling. Seasoned gardeners are thrilled by these February snowfalls, which offer welcome insulation for dormant plants. As the snow gradually melts, it releases moisture and vital nutrients such as nitrogen, which supports plant growth as they awaken in spring. Additionally, the snow enhances the success of native seed germination, promoting the spread of these wonderful plants in your garden and far beyond. 

Plants aren't the only ones looking for warmth during the cold winter months. The winter habitat plays a crucial role for pollinators, songbirds, and various other beneficial and beleaguered creatures that find their last refuge in our yards. In fact, experts emphasize that a well-planned and thoughtfully tended wintertime landscape is just as important as the vibrant gardens of summer in supporting the web of life. 

One of the best-kept secrets of creating a winter wonderland lies in the idea that doing less can often mean doing more. At this moment, various creatures are tucked away in fallen leaves and resting within plant stems, while songbirds happily forage on the standing seed heads. Brush piles built with fallen branches shelter feathered friends from winter winds and storms while a rotting log is an entire miniature ecosystem; it may look dead, but in fact harbors thousands of micro-organisms all of which have important roles to play in thriving landscapes. 

A winter landscape

In our opinion, there is nothing quite like the enchanting beauty of a winter landscape, rich with densely layered native plants, left undisturbed and blanketed in fresh fallen snow. The snow-dusted seed heads and withering native grasses are not only stunning but also create tiny micro-habitats within the garden. Vibrant cardinals search for food among finches and juncos, who are busy sifting through decaying plants for seeds and insects. Meanwhile, flocks of winter robins and cedar waxwings enjoy the last of the winter berries, adding natural charm to the landscape in ways that no human could replicate. 

While we see immense beauty and hope in landscapes that celebrate nature in its occasionally chaotic splendor, we recognize that some readers prefer a more structured approach to their environments. And indeed, structure and form are the key to good landscape design of any kind. During these chilly months, the foundational elements of your space take center stage, so it is a good time to take stock of the bones of your landscape. 

What types of structures can enhance even the most unconventional winter gardens? Hardscapes such as patios, pathways, boulders, and sculptures effectively define areas while adding artistic flair. Functional structures like trellises, obelisks, and arbors help create visual coherence in a space, even when the plants they support are dormant during the winter months. Whimsical features bring joy at any time, but they are particularly striking in winter. A favorite dash of whimsy in our own yard flanks our front door in the form of two contorted Pinus Strobus ‘mega twist’ shrubs that conjure images of dragons protecting the entryway. And indeed, the most important structure of all comes from plants designed to shine in the winter landscape.  

Evergreens are a natural choice for adding winter interest, providing both visual appeal and protective shelter for our feathered friends. Many of our beautiful native evergreens, such as white pine, Eastern cedar, Atlantic white cedar, and the impressive American holly, can grow to majestic sizes and make a bold statement in any yard. However, smaller alternatives like inkberry or cultivars such as ‘grey owl’ and ‘Brody’ juniper, as well as dwarf pines like Pinus Strobus ‘nana’ or ‘shaggy dog,’ also present excellent options for compact landscapes. 

However, structure doesn't have to rely solely on evergreens during the dormant season. Numerous native trees and shrubs boast captivating bark, intriguing branching patterns, or distinctive stem colors that provide compelling visual interest in any setting. The variety of native tree and shrub options is virtually limitless. For instance, consider the river birch with its peeling bark and the gray birch, known for its striking bark, robust branching, and winter-persisting catkins. The umbrella-shaped canopies of smaller trees such as the pagoda dogwood or Eastern redbud serve as bold accents, especially when adorned with icicles. Additionally, shrubs featuring colorful stems, like red or yellow twigged dogwood, offer an unbeatable burst of vibrant color. 

Berry bushes are vital for our feathered friends. Both the Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation encourage the use of native shrubs for the best benefits for birds. While some berries like chokeberry, dogwood, viburnum, and elderberry will be relished in early autumn, others persist further into wintertime, not ripening until they have cycled through several freezes. These can be extra important sources of food and include things like winterberry, bayberry, pokeberry, Eastern cedar and American beauty berry.  

And the wintertime landscape need not be without flowers. One of our own favorite flowers is that of the skunk cabbage, one of the first native plants to bloom in spring, often as early as February. While the smell of skunk cabbage may not appeal to the human nose, it is highly attractive to many early emerging pollinators including flies, bees, beetles and even some butterflies. Skunk cabbage may not be for everyone, but the flowering witch hazel certainly is. Our native Hamamelis Virginiana blooms in late November with flowers persisting through the holidays and the native Ozark witch hazel, Hamamelis Vernalis, burst into bloom in the February landscape with flowers that linger until the first blooms of spring.  

Winter provides a wonderful opportunity for gardeners to dream and strategize. If you're in full planning mode, we invite you to explore all the resources available on our website, www.PricklyEds.com. However, don't become so introspective during this chilly, peaceful season that you overlook the chance to create and appreciate the vibrant winter wonderland waiting just outside your door. 

Life in the Garden” brings eco-friendly garden tips from Cindy and Ed Moura of Prickly Ed’s Cactus Patch Native Plant Emporium, where they are passionate about helping people realize the essential role everyone can play in supporting life right outside their own doors.