Winter tips:

Protecting trees and shrubs from snow buildup

The winter months are fantastic for appreciating our garden’s structure.  With the snow accenting the vibrant reds of dogwoods, the awesome architecture of Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, Corylus avellana &lsquo Contorta’, and the fabulous greens of so many of the evergreens.  However, sometimes we can have too much of a good thing.  It is important to pay attention to snow buildup on certain shrubs, especially boxwoods.  If the snow becomes too heavy, it will snap some of the branches.  A very easy solution is to remove the snow gently and periodically throughout the winter, especially after heavy, wet snowfalls.  This is an excellent way to prevent damage and an excuse to get out of the house and into the garden!

Designing for the Winter Garden

The winter season is the perfect time year to look critically at the backbone of your garden - the elements that are typically year-round fixtures in your landscape.  These elements are seen easily during the dormant season when the flowers have all faded and only the skeletons of perennials stand, as well as the structure of deciduous trees and shrubs. The evergreens are the most obvious components of the winter landscape and often among the most beautiful.  Structures, such as arbors, fences, walls and even benches can add a lot to the winter landscape as well as a carefully placed sculpture, specimen plant or garden ornament as a focal point.  It’s best to strike a nice harmony of plants and inorganic elements in creating an interesting winter garden.  If you’re in need of inspiration, come out to Olbrich to see how we’ve designed our winter gardens.