Winter Garden

As I let the dogs out into the backyard each morning, I often think about things that I might do to make the winter garden a little more attractive.

Three or four years ago, we added a Chineses Dogwood, and last year a standard Weigela but still the garden could use more shape. Our garden is tiered with a lower second tier as you move about 30 feet out from the house. This tier runs the width of the yard and is about 8 to 10 feet deep. An interlocking brick patio runs along this lower tier from a patio area with a patio set on one side to a gate on the other that opens into a naturalised area beyond the yard. A fence and retaining wall separate the lower tier from the naturalised area.

Between houses on one side there is a chain link fence that we try to hide with tall plantings and 2 very mature Red Cedars. On the other side of the yard there is a row of quite tall Pyramidal Cedars. At one time there was a tall Linden tree but that is another story. And throughout the yard, there are plants and things that add interest such as a Weeping Spruce, a grape cart (peeking through the snow), some lights, a patio set, an arbor, and a pond. Last years Clematis still hangs on the arbor and on the large trellis above the pond and a climbing Euonymus climbs one section of the fence.

I'm thinking that another small shrub or two and perhaps a grass or two might be something to consider. One listserv that I am a member of is currently discussing the perfect grass to add to the garden. Suggestions include the Calamagrostis 'Overdam' (similar to Karl Foerster) and a number of the Miscanthus sinensis varieties. But there are so many gorgeous grasses for you to consider. Be sure you have the room for them though.