Loughbreeze Bay B&B

Hardy Hollies

When we first planned our different gardens, we used plants with variety of foliages and flowering times.  Since most of our original plants were derived from end of season sales, relatives’ and friends’ overflowing beds as well as from the wild, we tried to be flexible and resourceful in combining our plants to get the desired effect.  We did not consider how everything would look in winter.  Primarily, I was checking the hardiness of the plants, preferably Zones 3 to 9.

Nature's Sculptures

A miracle happened when the first snow fell.  Due to our late fall inactivity with our pruners and rakes, our gardens abounded with dried seedheads, stems and prickly coneflower spheres.  Along with the fuzzy Magnolia buds and Rose of Sharon seed pods, We were reminded of seasons past and what is yet to come. Unwittingly, I was providing food and shelter for our wildlife, evidenced by the many tracks across the new snow.  The amazing effect was surprising.  The red stemmed dogwoods stood as a stark contrast to the glistening snow mounds of the Bugleweed.

Snowy Sedums

Elegant ornamental grasses were stunningly blanketed with a fresh layer of snow.  Everywhere we look we are delighted, from the colourful Winterberries to the dark green and red Hollies.  Everything is framed by the dramatic profiles of our tall Black Locust Trees.  For more information about plants that enhance winter gardens visit Birds and Blooms,www.birdsandblooms.com