Winter ~ The Forgotten Season

Winter is often the forgotten season in the garden. But look closely and there is interest even in this quietest of seasons. Consider leaving your perennials standing, not only for winter interest but also to benefit the birds who will harvest the seeds and the beneficial insects who will seek shelter in the dried stems and foliage. Deciduous shrubs that require annual pruning can be trimmed either in late fall or early spring. I advocate spring pruning for these plants so that their twiggy forms cloaked in snow or ice can provide some winter interest to the garden scene.