The Winter Landscape Nature Revealed By Richard Liberto Winter is not such a bad thing; there is a beauty even in its bleakness, a sense of appropriateness to the season. When something is beautiful and we are not sure why, it is because it has, in some way, inspired our imagination. Einstein once said that it was not the function of science to give the taste of the soup. Perhaps winter is about the taste of the soup. Here in southwestern Pennsylvania, winter is a season to enjoy either gazing through frosted windows from a cozy room or walking on crunchy leaves dusted with freshly fallen snow. Winter always brings smiles to sports enthusiasts. Gardeners, hikers, birders and naturalists also seem to smile as Nature’s gloomy barrenness is cloaked in white. With or without snow, winter takes on new dimensions, especially in our gardens and deciduous forests. Although it may lack the glorious multi-color of fall or the vibrancy of spring and summer, winter color, when it does appear, draws all the more attention. It heightens the perception in the observer, forcing into focus an appreciation of form, a sense of the dramatic and the simplicity that winter presents. More often than not, Pennsylvania’s own wooded acres can be influential in the planning and planting of one’s garden, particularly for a natural theme. In the forest or garden, one can observe the ever-changing patterns of light: from the delicate filigree of deciduous branches to the stark verticals of tree trunks—ranging from ghostly grays, to the browns and shades of golden-yellow, as in the case of Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis). Tree bark, often more pronounced and diverse, can be seen in an array of textures, shapes, or exfoliation, as in the River Birch, (Betual nigra ‘Heritage’) or with a “splotched” appearance, as evidenced with the American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). A natural occurring or planted American Beech tree can dominate its surroundings with its smooth, light-gray bark, evoking a luminous quality. Its persistent, shimmering dried leaves provide movement and sound. Planting these trees as a single specimen or in groupings can achieve the same desired effect in the home landscape. Red berries of the deciduous Holly. Ilex x “Winter Red” These oak leaves frozen in time also add to the charm and intrigue of the winter landscape. Garden structures are now revealed in their entire splendor and become more prominent in the garden. Evergreens – both needled and broad-leaved varieties, such as the native Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) and White pine (Pinus strobus) or American Holly (Ilex opaca) – provides a striking contrast to the “nakedness” of the gardenor landscape. In winter, garden walls, fences, pergolas, other structures, or even stylized patios in the garden are revealed in their entire splendor. Stone walls that are largely hidden in summer with foliage, become strong visual features during the winter months. Pergolas or arbors often become focal points once the foliage disappears. Night lighting is one of the most useful devices for the winter landscape. Incorporating night lighting to any garden structure or the garden itself enhances the visual experience. Subtle lighting can be used to accent a particular tree, planting area or other elements in your landscaping, thus creating silhouettes. The desired effect should be gentle highlighting, not blinding brightness. The slender upright cardinal-red stems of the shrub dogwood partnered here with Sedum “Matrona” and Amsonia add color to any winter landscape. Many plants can also play a role in providing landscape structure and artistic forms. For example, the native Hawthorn tree has an attractive vase-shaped habit. The shrub Dogwood, with its slender upright and cardinal-red stems, also adds lightness and color in any winter landscape. On the forest floor, a tapestry of foliage in green like the Ground Pine (Lycopodium), and other Nature’s colors (bronze, gray and sometimes mauve), intermingle with dried furled leaves and stones, some bare, others covered with soft green mosses and lichens forming a symbiotic relationship. In our own gardens, the green of Boxwood, China holly or Balsam fir not only provide structure and form, but also serve as a contrast to the burgundy winter hues of garden plants like Bergenia, Hellebore and Sedum species. Walking along shallow creeks or streams, one will notice the iced-over water is patterned with swirling abstractions. Water still flows beneath this pane of ice but silently this time, with much more grace and ease. These icy constructions are fascinating, particularly as the winter sun moves tree branch shadows across the shining surface. A water garden in any home landscape can mimic the serenity of a passive woodland stream or echo the sound of “mini” falls with their entertaining gurgle, splashing song and playful nature. Winter is a treasure we have here in southwestern PA, where a distinct cycle of seasons allows us to enjoy all the variety Mother Nature has to offer. As we create a natural landscape to enjoy in all seasons, we must be willing to include the knowledge of what is to come or what is no more and to heed the subtleties of Nature. When we do this, it makes our appreciation of winter all the more sharper. Richard Liberto is a professional horticulturist and landscape consultant.