A Colorful and Cohesive Tan for the Winter Garden
Winter interest is a very personal topic. What one gardener finds attractive another may find mediocre at best. I have long been a fan of tan foliage in winter, a color I think most people do not associate with the term attractive or even with the term living! Interestingly, the color tan is a mixture of the very lively hues of green and red. For some plants the tan foliage of winter has a touch more red, making the foliage more glowing and warm for the winter garden. A low maintenance groundcover I have long appreciated for its warm winter foliage is Persicaria affinis, commonly called Himalayan Bistort or Lesser Knotweed.
Bruce Crawford
January always begins with the festivities surrounding the Holiday Season, but reality soon returns as gardeners face short and often cloudy days, cold temperatures and a sleeping garden. Looking on the positive side, we now have the leisure of working in the Garden when our time or the weather suits our schedule, since the garden is in a state of suspended animation so to speak.
Exfoliating Bark for the Winter Garden
The hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season is finally upon us! Autumn continued to provide ample moisture for new plantings, although November was drier than the previous months. The temperatures of November were seasonal, allowing plants to prepare for winter to come. Although there are ample distractions this month, early December is the time to finish the last of the autumn chores before the sub-freezing temperatures of winter arrive in earnest. As time permits between baking and shopping, continue your ledgers with notes on the weather and how plants are performing. Wishing everyone a very Happy and Joyous Holiday Season!
A Seasonably Fashionable Maple for the Holidays
