Wake Up Your Winter Garden

Flower beds look bare, even into spring, when foliage dies back in the winter. To add contrast and vertical structure to your garden, plant grasses in the back of borders. They should stand tall throughout the winter months.

Hang bird feeders in trees, or provide an open water source (warm it with a birdbath heater).

Try holly, winterberry or some crab apple trees (such as those pictured at left) that hold their berries into winter. The berries not only add color; they're another draw for wildlife.

The dark branches of redtwig dogwood or ninebark shrubs stand out against snow. Tree bark, such as the torn-paper look of birch (left) or coarse burr oak, adds interest, too.

Bare tree branches look sculptural. Plus, sunlight passing through them creates dappled shadows.

Tall structures such as fences, arbors and trellises offer architectural interest. Benches, birdbaths or gazing balls also add beauty to a winter vista.

Evergreens and shrubs maintain winter appeal, provide year-round privacy and attract wildlife.