Winter Ground Covers
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
A touch of frost highlight these winter ground covers. These three ground covers add a little winter flare to the garden. The foreground Siberian Cypress changes from its summer grey-green to its winter bronze color. The Mahonia in the center adds red, oranges, and purples to its winter cloak. In the background, the Blue Rug juniper adds a cool blue to the scene. Winter is not dull in Heatherwood.
Plethora of Color, Textures, and Shapes
Heatherwood Winter Garden
This small vignette in the lower garden has a little bit of everything. Russian sage and spent rudbeckia display blue and grey with a hint of brown as well as provide fine and course textures. Red twig, yellow twig, and Midwinter Fire dogwoods show a blast of color and texture. The grasses in the background are a break in the color and provide a contrast in form and texture with their flowing seed heads. The vertical conifer trees frame the image with varying textures and yellow, green, and blue colors. The dark green Mugo Pine anchors the center of the image and provides a sharp contrast in color against the dogwoods.
Later this winter the Russian sage, dogwoods, rudbeckia and grasses will all be cut back. In spring, new growth will emerge providing a fresh pallet of color, texture, and form.
Southwest Corner
Heatherwood Winter
We are almost three weeks into the new year, and we have been busy planning our spring project for Heatherwood. Over the last several years we have been adding several trees and shrubs in the lower southwest corner of the garden. Last year we removed several Green Giant arborvitae to make room for additional conifers. This year we have initiated planning to finish the area off with more conifers, Japanese maples, ground covers, and a meandering path. (Note the painted dashes that outline the future path.) Several of the grasses will be transplanted throughout other parts of the garden. This project will complete the base structure of our Heatherwood garden. A garden is never finished. Future projects will always be added to create additional highlights and incorporate new ideas.
Burr Oak & Cranberry Viburnum
Heatherwood Winter
The sight of a leafless Burr Oak sends a winter chill through my spine. Of course the below freezing temperatures help a bit as well. The combination of the berries on the Cranberry Viburnum and the stark structure and bark of the oak create an interesting winter attraction in our Heatherwood garden. Many of our tree and shrub selections have been made to create a four season interest in the garden. Winter strolls are always a delight.
Yukimi in Snow
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
A light snow turns Heatherwood into a winter wonderland. A light one-inch snow provided a garden treat on New Years Day. The snow was wet sticking to leaves and branches, creating several beautiful vignettes through the garden. I had a list of “to do’s” that I had set up to accomplish on New Years. But, I couldn’t pass the opportunity to walk though the garden with my camera. Those “to do’s” will just have to wait.
Looking Out My Office Window
Heatherwood & the Bluff Above
Warm sun rays brighten
the garden and hillside above.
A bright New Year ahead!
As I sit in my office gazing out the window, I warmly admire our garden and the hillside above covered by the early morning sunlight. The scene entices me to look into the future in a warm positive light. New knowledge, adventures, and experiences lie ahead. I wish you all a Happy New Year!