Enjoy views of the winter garden
Wintry weather may force gardeners inside their homes, but they can continue to enjoy their gardens from the inside out with a few, well-placed focal points. Begin by determining which windows are used most often to gaze upon the garden.
At each window, evaluate the existing scene. A garden bench with a small statue or a pot filled with greens can turn a barren border once overflowing with annuals and perennials into a delightful scene. A vast expanse of lawn with zero appeal becomes a blank canvas for a collection of bird feeders and the ensuing exploits.
Accept that some areas are not attractive in winter and use focal points to pull attention away from them. Encourage interest to turn toward a fabulous flea market find and away from an unkempt section of the landscape.
Garden structures
Arbors and trellises perform a supporting role in the summer as vines scramble up and over them, but they become focal points in the winter. Move a statue, once standing guard over a bed of flamboyant annuals, in front of the trellis or under the arbor to create a winter vignette.
Garden sheds once screened by tall perennials and foliage-laden shrubs come into full view in winter. Consider flanking the shed door with urns filled with branches, pine cones and berries. Hang some old garden tools scavenged from garage sales or a mirror mounted in an old picture frame on an outside wall.
A section of picket fence is the ideal backdrop for an old bicycle. Greens in the basket add a finishing touch.
Plants
Few plants are up to focal point status in winter. Some have been cut back; others trodden by wet, heavy snows; and some just don't depart the garden gracefully. Plants to consider as effective focal points include evergreens and ornamental grasses.
Evergreens offer privacy and a backdrop for flowering plants in the summer but become focal points in the winter. Picture the partnership of Mops false cypress and Royal Family holly - branches of golden needles glow against glossy, deep green, toothed foliage demanding notice.
Ornamental grasses often stand tall throughout the winter. A collection of grasses - some with fine, others with coarse, textures - is an appealing vision by itself. Go one step further and repurpose an obelisk from its summer home as a focal point in its midst.
Garden ornaments
Some existing focal points simply require some seasonal adjustments. Replace glass gazing globes with orbs made of ice. A childhood Radio Flyer wagon planted with colorful zinnias in summer can hold a winter fairy garden on a deck or patio.
Go on a treasure hunt through the landscape and discover other objects that can be called into service - old rusty metal pumps, sundials and metal yard spinners are all possibilities.
If it's too cold or snowy to get outside and improve views this year, take photos and make notes so you will have pleasing garden scenes next year.
• Diana Stoll is a horticulturist and the garden center manager at The Planter's Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield. Call (630) 293-1040, ext. 2, or visit planterspalette.com.