The Gardens in Winter

Winter is here! Two snow events in a week mean that winter is a reality. That these snow storms occurred right in time for the winter solstice may be coincidence, or serendipity.

Chamaecyparis and bamboo in Chinatown

Rose hip in winter on Rosa rugosa

As with everything we do, we want the parks and garden beds to look great all winter long. This means considering what happens in windy weather, heavy snows, wild rains and all that plowed snow. Some plants look great, even spectacular! with snow on them, caught in the branches and seed heads, sparking in the sunlight. And some will topple, crash and break under the added weight. We know from experience which perennials to cut down early, and which to keep for the winter.

Miscanthus seedhead in the snow

Watch the blog for a series of posts on our winter organic maintenance and snapshots of the  stars of winter – the conifers, the broadleaf evergreens, the ornamental grasses and perennials, and the lure of fruits and berries that hang on thru the winter – or until they are enjoyed by the birds.

Container on Dewey Square with birch and redtwig dogwood cuttings