(Click on any photo to enlarge)
A dried Coneflower (Echinacea) 'bloom' |
Many people might have already cut back their gardens by now, especially the plants that die off and go dormant until the spring. But I've learned to allow them to remain in the garden throughout the winter. There are a couple of important reasons why I don't cut them down until much later.
Coneflower (Echinacea) seed heads |
Dried roses (Rosa 'flower carpet red') |
Color remains on the Chrysanthemums~
Chrysanthemums |
and on the Asters (below). As I took these photos today I realized that the garden still holds an alluring charm~ it just takes looking more closely and purposefully to see it.
New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) |
Dried Aster Seed Heads |
As all of these plants continue to dry out, along with providing a food source for birds, they will also serve as 'structure' for the garden in winter. Every one of the dried stalks that remain standing will contribute to winter interest in the garden when the first snowfall arrives, allowing the eye to flow more freely in many directions rather than being drawn directly to the stark, flat ground.
Foxglove (Digitalis) |
I'm fortunate to have a number of large Holly trees in the yard, which are covered in vivid red berries at this time of year. These are also rich in nutrients for the birds and resemble cheery holiday ornaments to be enjoyed and admired when I remember to take a minute to look closely.
Large Hollies (Ilex) in my yard |
Today I am thankful for a furnace that provides heat for my family to be comfortable~something many of us take forgranted on a daily basis.
Words and photos ©Thanks for today.™, by Jan Huston Doble
Written by Jan @ http://www.thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/ Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.