A beautiful garden can be yours during the colder winter months if you design your landscaping with all of the seasons in mind.  With the temperate climate in Northern California, we have many more options than other parts of the nation.  The most important thing to keep in mind with a winter garden is to consider shapes, textures and color from limbs, bark, berries, and leaves since flowers are going to be limited this time of year.    

According to the article, “The Winter Garden”, coral maple and dogwood (both a red and yellow twig variety) trees are eye pleasing additions to the winter garden.  They also suggest ornamental grasses and bamboo.

Shrubs such as holly and nandina work well adding brightness to the garden as suggested in the article “Plans for a Winter Garden”. 

Lastly, as indicated in the article “How to Add Interest to Your Winter Garden”, throwing in a few evergreens for good measure will round out the landscape. 

Happy gardening!