Winter Landscapes

Many people do not regard the winters of the Midwest to be a time when one can appreciate landscapes. However, is it not the desolate winter months when one would most appreciate a garden? Some plants are at their best in the winter. Though they may be dormant it is the season of their glory.


When imprisoned inside due to frigid temperatures and bone chilling wind, nothing can motivate me to go outside. That is, until I look out the window and see plants covered in snow, ice or hoarfrost. I am compelled to slip on some boots and possible a hat, grab my camera and traipse across the icy snow and photograph frozen plants. More than just the traditional evergreens – pines, firs and spruces – but the ornamental grasses, herbaceous seed heads, and interesting branching. Here is a list of some of my favorite plants for the winter landscape.

Ilex verticillata (winterberry)
Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple)
Hamamelis vernalis (witch hazel)
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)
Ostrya virginiana (Eastern Hophornbeam)
Malus sp. (crabapple with persistent fruit)
Hydrangea sp. (leave seed heads on)
Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem)
Echinacea (coneflower – seed heads)Sedum sp. (tall sedum – seed heads)
Solidago sp. (goldenrod – seed heads)
Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass)
Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass)