I will let you in on a little secret. Winter is my favourite season in the garden. A lot of people might assume that gardeners have a hiatus over the winter months and spend their spare time curled up with garden catalogues, dreaming about spring, but not me.
Of course there is nothing wrong with perusing garden catalogues. It is just that in this stage of my life and my garden, catalogues are great eye candy but the reality is they signify more work. I am coasting in the garden and I think that is why the winter months appeal to me so greatly. The workload is light and you can really sit back and admire this less showy, but rich season in the garden.
I like the form of a winter garden. You really get a chance to see the evergreen stalwarts which usually take a backseat to their more floriferous neighbours, shine. I don't cut any of my ornamental grasses back in fall and their colour and movement add texture and depth to the garden palette too.
And for some reason, the anticipation of waiting for my winter blooming shrubs and perennials to flower is even greater than those plants whose turn it is to dazzle us summer.
You've heard me go on about Hamamelis, (witch hazel) but its amazing spidery blossoms in the dark days of winter give me an enormous amount of pleasure and literally light up your outdoor space.
If you don't already have one in your garden, try and find some room. I guarantee you won't be sorry. Just remember that Hamamelis is not too thrilling the rest of the year so you have to place it wisely.
If you have been out hiking or biking our local trails you may have had your fill of Mahonia, which is related to Oregon Grape. But don't let the abundance of this native species keep you from taking a second look at Mahonia x media Charity.
This evergreen shrub is a showstopper which crowns itself with large rounded spikes of bright yellow flowers every winter. Step a little closer and inhale its delicious fragrance and if you plant it close to a window you can catch winter hummingbirds showing up for a visit.
I've struggled over the years with some of the Heavenly bamboos. Don't get your knickers in a knot when you see the word bamboo.
Heavenly bamboo is properly called Nandina domestica and is not in fact true bamboo. Nandina's are lovely shrubs with bamboo like leaves and no invasive qualities, in winter they usually turn bright red and have beautiful coloured berries.
The struggle has been with Old Man Winter and the freezing cold temperatures we have experienced in previous years that challenge the hardiness of these zone seven to eight plants.
Intense freezing temperatures have killed my absolute favourites - the elegant, N. Molum also known as Plum Passion more times than I would like to remember.
I have however, had excellent success with some of the more dwarf varieties like Nandina Moon Bay and the beautiful N. Gulf Stream.
These selections seem much more hardy here in Squamish and are standouts in winter.
