Discover Smith Mountain Lake
WINTER 2015/16
37
36
Weeder’s
Digest
Despite the fact that our gardening
season is coming to a close, there
are many plants for which this is their
finest hour, extending our interests
through the dormant period to come.
For some plants, we allot precious
space, time and expense to add them
to our yards specifically for this time
of year. Flowering trees and shrubs
always seem to be the belle of the
ball when we consider new additions,
but don’t miss out on plants that
berry, or whose foliage changes,
as well as those whose bark shows
itself off during winter.
Typically, when we consider berries,
we think of hollies first. The multiple
varieties in all shapes and sizes
allow for infinite location options,
either as foundation plantings or as
specimens. With some exceptions,
the Chinese varieties tend to be
showier, with bright red berries. The
Japanese varieties are more subtle,
having black berries. Take care not
to overlook the native deciduous
Winterberry holly, which yields a truly
stunning display of bright red berries
when its leaves drop.
In the category of unique to almost
fake looking, the also native
Beautyberry boasts clusters of small
purple berries that last well into
winter. For brave souls, there is the
By Bob Siren
incomparable Pyracantha, its bold orange or red berries
are rivaled only by its daunting spiky thorns. For those
of us who are bird lovers, berries are an essential food
source for our feathered friends. There are countless
trees and shrubs that pull food duty, and these are just
a few to consider for our own appreciation as well.
As the temperature drops and the sun lowers in the
sky, chlorophyll production wanes, and some of our
plants’ leaves produce a last colorful hoorah worthy of
note. The countless varieties of maple and oak trees
dominate our vistas with bright reds, oranges, purples
and mixes thereof. They stoically provide shade and
substance to our yards and forests all summer long…
and then scream, “look at me” in the fall, and we do,
with much elation.
Though some what mundane during the growing
season, the burning bush shines like no other during
the fall, truly living up to its name. Another versatile
shrub, the Nandina, is a mainstay in the local landscape.
The many varieties available offer different sizes and
textures, and some even pull double duty, providing
both stunning color and an abundance of berries. When
using evergreens as a back drop, the use of these
chamelian like plants provides a continuous flow to the
landscape, offering nary a dull moment.
Bark is often overlooked as a worthy reason to add
certain plants to our yards. Unusual color and texure of
a tree’s bark can provide an interesting look as winter
sets in. Forget the bite, the bark of the stately Sycamore,
the utilitarian Riverbirch, and the colorful Crape Myrtle
may give the impression that they are in distress
as they exfoliate, yet this normal, natural shedding
process yields ongoing interest throughout the season.
And, when winter truly sets in and Mother Nature paints
our world white with snow, the Red Twig Dogwood and
Coral Bark Maple will handsomely reward you with their
irridescent bark colors.
When considering how your yard will reap continuing
rewards for you, don’t forget that some plants can fall
into the category of unsung heroes, as they can also
provide holiday beauty from cuttings for wreaths and
boughs. So don’t “fall” for it, the off season is just the
beginning for some plants in your yard.
Remember, it never hurts to seek professional advice. You
can reach Bob Siren at Diamond Hill Garden Center at
540-297-7009 or email
Don’t “fall” for it…
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