Yes, it is winter and some people think it is pretty bleak outside. We may think differently if we just take a minute and look around. There is a lot to see in the plant world all around us, even at this time of the year. This beauty will go unnoticed if we don’t pay attention right now. When the leaves are off the deciduous trees and shrubs the rest of their winter beauty appears. There are plant forms and characteristics like beautiful bark, bright berries, winding/twisted vines and evergreens that we don’t notice when all the foliage and flowers are on the plants.

Take a look at some of the large trees at this time of the year. The bark on trees, like the stately sycamore or heritage birch, is beautiful. We may not even notice it when the leaves are on the trees.

Ninebark is a good example of a shrub with winter form and unique bark. Another unique, ornamental plant is Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick with its twisted branches. In late winter, it has blooms (actually catkins) with long pendulous flowers that are so graceful in the breeze. Even when there is no air moving, they hang perfectly straight down.

Then there are the evergreens that have weeping branches or tight columnar shapes. See the Weeping Alaskan Arborvitae. This graceful, stately tree is a real beauty that tolerates many types of soil and grows very well here in the Miami Valley.

Espaliered plants add a whole new dimension to the winter landscape. They can be developed from a number of plants. Notice the pear tree growing on a brick wall. Nearly any plant can be trained to grow on a wall or trellis, adding something different to any landscape planting. Some vines like Climbing Hydrangea actually cling to the wall and have a very interesting bark. Large green leaves and white flowers mask this beauty in the summer and fall.

Take time this winter to look around you when you are out and about, in the car or walking. There is plenty to see even in these cold bleak months.

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