I've talked about how important the many facets of garden design are during the seasons. Never is this more important than in winter, if your part of the world experiences snow and ice.
When perennial beds and lawns are white with snow, it's hardscape structures, conifers, grasses, tree
trunks and shrub branches that provide focal points.
The black bench stands out crisply under recent fallen snow as do the junipers, Viburnum 'Mariesii' and trunk of the Linden tree.
The Euonymus bush does not lose its leaves over winter. It catches the snow nicely. The pussywillow shrubs have lost their leaves, of course, but are strong vertical accents against the white. Elaine is knee deep in the white stuff.
The evergreen yews in the front are thick and heavy, so the snow stays on top of them like a hat.
The gold grasses still rustle against the Mugho pine and the sedum 'Autumn Joy' looks like lollipops.
Here Miscanthus sinensis and the Burning Bush are covered with a feather-light snow.
The strong Pin Oak and the vertical lines of the obelisk provide a focal point at the back of the yard.
Colour on white really stands out - here you see red berries on the Burning Bush.
Evergreens are the best snow catchers!
Even the deck steps provide interest.
So, when planning your garden, remember: many plants die and disappear over the winter but certain ones stay. And if you combine those with some hardscaping, your garden will look good even in a season when you can't be out there, getting your hands dirty :)