Winter Observations: Finding Life and Beauty in a Quiet Garden

While we may not be able to work in our gardens during the cold winter months, we have the opportunity to observe our gardens in ways that we might not during the warmer months.  Even though the garden seems bare and that nothing is happening, take a closer look and you can see some of the subtle changes taking place.

I have been watching the developing flower buds on a winter-flowering cherry over the last few weeks.  Even in a spot with little or no sun and freezing temperatures, these buds are swelling, promising flowers soon.  Next door to it are the growing buds of a cherry laurel, again developing in spite of the weather.  Forsythia buds are beginning to show signs of the yellow flowers to come.

We can see into the interior of shrubs and bushes now that the leaves are gone and see the bird’s nest that was hidden there.  We can enjoy the contrast of brightly coloured stems against the fence or the faded green of the lawn.

After a snowfall, the shapes of the garden and plants are revealed more clearly.  We see the undulations of the terrain as the snow accumulates or is blown away.  Tree and shrub shapes are clearly defined against the background of a fence, wall, or other plants.  Tree and shrub trunks, limbs, and branches show their colours and bark details with greater clarity.

The sun shining through ice on the garden provides a unique sparkle.  These winter shows do not last long, so we need to take advantage of these brief opportunities.

Much of this winter wonder is visible without going outside.  If you go out, you may see some things that need attention.  You may find some pruning needs that were overlooked in your autumn clean-up.  Squirrels may have been digging in the soil, disturbing plant roots.  You may find branches damaged from the weight of snow or ice; they will need attention once the snow has gone.  Winter visits to the garden can be full of surprises.