Peeling bark has eye appeal. The cinnamon-colored sheets of bark peelin off this 'Heritage' river birch never fail to attract attention.

I didn't know beans about winter gardens when I first laid eyes on one. During a February botanic tour to Great Britain, I marveled at the extensive plantings of heaths, heathers, and the like displayed for their winter beauty. But, attractive as they were, I thought there was a big flaw in the gardens I saw- there were no interesting contours, no sturdy-looking, structural woody plants, no focal points. They were just masses of plants. I thought I could do better. Not being one to rush into things, I contemplated the idea for a couple years. The more I considered the possibilities, the more intrigued I became. I thought about creating a landscape of gentle berms and swales bisected by a rocky stream bed. I'd place lots of old, lichened stone about the site, then create a series of beds and borders filled with colorful, sculptural-looking trees, shrubs, and perennials selected especially for their winter beauty.

As a garden designer and nursery owner, I had both the

	Shapes stand out when the leaves are gone. Natural features, tree branches, and structures all add to the overall impression. Click image for larger view.

land and raw materials to develop a sizable garden, but you could easily make a wonderful winter display in a small area. I often tell customers to pick a spot outside their kitchen window and create a winter garden with something as simple as a bronzy-leaved rhododendron - Rhododendron 'PJM Elite', R. 'PJM Regal', and R. 'PJM Compacta' are some of my favorites- and a few red- and yellow-twig dogwoods (Comus stolonifera 'Cardinal' and C. s. 'Flaviramea'). No matter what scale you work on, the key is creating strong contrasts. It's not like gardening in summer when you can use subtle foliage effects or gentle color groupings. In winter, you have to be bold.

IN WINTER, YOU HAVE TO BE BOLD.

1. Begin With A Backbone Of Sculptural Plants
2. Add Color With Bark, Berries, And Evergreens
3. Use Perennials As Accents
4. Sit Back And Enjoy It All Winter Long