Who says a garden can't be beautiful in winter? I use plants in my designs that hold up through the winter. Instead of cutting these perennials back in the fall, I let them stay until spring. The earth tones of these plants are highlighted by the backdrop of snow. A variety of textures and growth habits makes an interesting composition!
This grouping includes Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (Autumn Joy Sedum) in the lower left corner. This is a terrific plant that is easy to grow and propagate, requires little maintenance, and is tolerant of a range of soil conditions. Plant this in full sun and watch it evolve over the seasons - beginning as a light green plant with leaves that are reminiscent of succulents, forming blooms by midsummer that have the appearance of a small head of broccoli, by late summer these blooms turn a light pink, then deepen to a magenta, and finally in the fall the leaves drop but the seedheads, now a rusty brown, remain.
Grasses are another great way to extend the garden into winter. Shown here is Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' (Dwarf Fountain Grass) which grows in clumps. This grass tends to be dormant in spring, only starting to grow during the summer months, but by fall the clump is fully formed and begins to flower. These flowers are particularly attractive waving in the wind, illuminated by the low angle of the autumn afternoon sun.
The taller plant is a Butterfly Bush, Buddleia davidii, which compliments the habits of the other two plants. The bloom on this deciduous shrub is similar to a lilac, and provides nectar to the adult butterfly. Prune liberally in spring as the blooms appear on new growth. Check with your local cooperative extension before using this plant as it has been classified as invasive in many areas.
While it may be tempting to mow everything down when you are doing your fall clean-up, experiment with leaving some plants alone to observe how they might provide interest through the winter. Then, when the snow melts and you are itching to get started on your garden, prune the plants and watch the cycle repeat!
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