| Every winter I'm fascinated by the way snowfall transforms the garden. Trees acquire new definition, as do now-leafless vines, and shrubs take on softened shapes. Snow has a way of sculpting the garden, giving it an entirely different visual presence. Most articles about 'The Winter Garden' focus on the structure and interest that untrimmed perennials and grasses lend to the landscape. Some writers suggest pruning shrubs or small trees in a specific way to capture snow and add winter interest. But I agree with Marlene Mullet, an Ohio reader who commented in Fine Gardening, "Arbors, birdhouses, rocks, and other garden decor along with untrimmed vines and shrubs also look lovely with snow cover. Every year I try to come up with more ways to keep my winter gardens from looking dull and drab. It's another way to enjoy the garden all year!" Marlene's rustic winter arbour is an example of how simple structures and ornaments can create winter interest – if we plan ahead. |  Photo: Marlene Mullet |
Ceramic containers and fragile ornaments have to be put away in the fall, of course, but other pieces can stay in place. Post-mounted bird houses, lend charm to the winter garden as miniature rooftops gather snow.
 Photo: Lynda Bobinski Even small metal ornaments – like this cheery little frog prince – can offer a happy surprise when they peek through the snow. |   |
I hung an old lantern in late fall and watched it transform with the arrival of a wet snowfall. Another suggestion: grapevine weathers well and when woven into a wreath, it lends texture to a fence or trellis. A wreath can last several seasons.
 |  |
And here's one of my favourite images. A heavy birdbath stays in place year 'round in a friend's yard, proving that snow brings true poetry to the winter landscape.
'Holding up Winter'
Pihoto: Geoff Hudson
The structures we place in the garden are a wintertime diversion. When temperatures plummet and we must stay indoors, these 'snow catchers' give us something to admire from inside. And wouldn't you love to have one of these giant pine cones created by Beamsville, ON metal artist Floyd Elzinga? Out-sized and simply marvelous.
Photo: Floyd Elzinga
As writer Jodi DeLong observes in Saltscapes Magazine, "Winter is more than a season of hibernation in our gardens; it offers insights and visual delights... It’s a softer, more subtle sort of garden, especially when snow wafts gently down or sunlight adds watercolour shadows to the mix. We just relax, enjoy what’s already planted, and think about what we might want to do next spring."
In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
― William Blake
― William Blake
Special thanks to L Bobinski and G Hudson for their photos. Unattributed photos in this post are by therebloomsagarden.com.
How do you put ornament into your winter garden? Share in a comment.
How do you put ornament into your winter garden? Share in a comment.
