“Winter Perennials”
Heatherwood Meadow
As I walk around, my eyes wander all around. I look in the distance and see the snow covered hills. I look side to side and see the surrounding trees, shrubs, and meadows. I see a path leading to who knows where. I turn around and see where I have been. I look up and see beautiful clouds in the sky. I stumble and look at my feet. I see abstract detailed patterns staring back at me.
“Snow-Covered Birches”
Heatherwood Winter
In my New Year’s Day post I talked about dreaming for the garden to emerge in the spring. But, the weather is not cooperating as the temperature hovers around freezing. The forecast is for even more snow tonight and tomorrow. Oh well, I will have the opportunity to photograph fresh new snow.
“A Field of Daffys”
Heatherwood Crabapple Grove
I thought I would start the new year with a thought of what Heatherwood will look like in the spring. The winter snow has been beautiful, but I am getting a little tired of plowing the driveway and shoveling snow. During these winter days, I enjoy the time to sit back and plan for the next projects we will undertake in the garden. I close my eyes, dream, smile, and think of the coming new year.
I wish all a Happy New Year filled with happy times, new experiences, and wonderful adventures.
“Old Flume”
Heatherwood Winter
Just as the temperatures started to rise and the snow had melted from the roads and trees, we received a gift of another 4-5 inches of new snow. It brightened up the neighborhood and our Heatherwood garden. We now have had snow on the ground for the full month of December. The temperatures are forecasted to hover around freezing for the next week. We are not expecting another snowfall during that period.
Heatherwood has continued to have an unusual beauty this year. Typically the leaves on all the trees and shrubs have fallen. This year, many of them still have their leaves. They provide a beautiful contrast with all the snow.
“Birches and Oak”
Heatherwood Winter
After a wonderful White Christmas, the beautiful white wonderland continues. For the last several weeks, the temperatures have remained below freezing and our white winter wonderland continues to display its beauty. Many are not appreciative of the cold weather. Personally, I am thankful to have the beautiful serene snow-covered landscape surround us. I can alway layer up to go outside and enjoy our little Eden.
Alas, today the temperature is predicted to rise above freezing. It is forecasted to continue to warm up. A week from now the white wonderland may be gone, at least temporarily.
Love and Peace to all our family and friends and all the peoples of the World.
Karl & Mary
“Japanese Garden Entrance”
Heatherwood Winter
Our wish for a White Christmas will be fulfilled. With our continued cold temperatures, the snow from previous snowfalls has not melted and the frost remains on our trees. In addition we have had several little dustings to keep the snow looking fresh. Our setting for Christmas is a winter wonderland. We will no longer need to dream for a white Christmas. It is here in full glory!
Merry Christmas!
“Winter Trees With Leaves”
Heatherwood
Winter scenes this year in Heatherwood look quite different than in years past. This past year we had a very warm summer that lasted well into October. Then we had a cold snap that delayed the display of fall color. The cold spell continued through November which left leaves on many deciduous trees. Then the snows and frost hit in early December. Now we have snow and frost covered leaves still hanging on the trees. The additional weight has caused several branches to break. Hopefully the leaves will fall soon leaving bare branches to provide their normal beauty to the winter scene.
“Textures in Winter”
Heatherwood Meadow
A key element of our Heatherwood garden design is to provide various textures and shapes throughout the four seasons. The stiff vertical liatris stalks contrast with the soft flowing grasses. These are framed in the bottom by spent seed heads of rudbeckia and the top by spent asters. The straw and gold colors of the grasses contrast with the dark browns of the other perennials. All together they provide an eye-catching vignette to enjoy on a winter stroll through the garden.
“Snow and Frost-covered Meadow”
Heatherwood Winter
Today is the first official day of winter. Winter came much earlier than its official start this year. We had our first dusting of snow in mid-November. Then a week after Thanksgiving we had our first substantial snow fall. We had another significant snow fall in early December. Heatherwood has now been covered with snow for the last three weeks. In addition, the temperatures have been very cold adding hoarfrost to our trees, shrubs, and perennials. It is truly a beautiful winter scene.
The image above is a section of our Heatherwood meadow area. In the spring through fall, the meadow is full of color and various texture. Even in the winter it has shades of gold, orange, and browns with even a little hint of red. We elect not to cut back our perennials to provide this winter interest as well as provide seeds and berries for the wintering birds.