We just planted them a month ago, but some of the Sparkleberries (Ilex verticillata) are holding their berries and looking so bright and festive. And some of the Miscanthus grasses — also just planted – are holding their seed heads. The combination is exactly what I was hoping for: a lovely winter effect that doesn’t just rely on evergreens.
They’re all quite small still, and don’t give the full effect. But I could not be happier. Well, I could be happier if it would snow. Then the red berries and white plumes would be even more wonderful; the contrast of bright red and white will be especially festive in the snow. If it ever snows!
What a gorgeous photo 😉 I love the effect of the berries. They will only get better each year 😉 Best wishes, WG
Thank you again WG. The other plants I have in the Winter Gardens are some red-stemmed shrub Dogwoods, some smooth Sumac. Also in one Winter Garden I’ve put in several Skyrocket Junipers for a vertical contrast with the fairly rounded shrubs; in the other, which is a greater distance from the house, I’ve put Serbian Spruce for both their lovely drooping shape and pale green color.