Winter Interest

Grumbling about winter (see previous post) won't make it disappear, but a trip to Denver when it was freakishly warm (high 60's, low 70's) certainly helped!

Garden experts advise landscaping for all seasons, planting for winter interest as well as the other green, flowering seasons. One winter interest idea is including evergreens, of course. But bare trees and shrubs can add beauty, too. Bare branches display their graceful forms. Lingering berries or seed pods provide texture and color. Some branches themselves hold red, green, or gold tint year 'round, but only show it in winter. And don't forget the soft rustle of ornamental grasses swaying in the wind.

Photos taken at the Denver Botanical Gardens demonstrate the concept of winter interest very well, especially since the temps felt more like spring!

What interests you in nature this winter?

One Day Closer to Spring

Don't be alarmed; that's not a real bird in a cage. It was part of my outdoor holiday decorations. I put everything else away, but thought the peace doves could stay. They looked so happy I could almost hear them coo. During the night the wind grabbed them and posed them like this! I was going to pick them up, but laughed and thought the bird felt the same way about winter as I.

As far as I'm concerned, the last time we hear "White Christmas" is when the white stuff can stop. Mother Nature has other plans this year!


This has become almost a daily scene out my back window. It's like living in a constantly shaken snow globe. Current temp is 2 degrees; wind chill is -16.

Many areas of the country are experiencing unusually extreme weather this winter. To all of us, I say, "Take heart! With each passing day, we must be closer to spring!"