Visit garden centers and gardens at different times of the year to get a sense of blooming schedules, foliage color, and what particular plants you are interested in look like all year round. “I actually think that we spend way too much time and thought on making sure the garden is evergreen,” says Putnam, “Many plants that lose their leaves offer stem color, early spring flowering, and some even have contorted stems or exfoliating bark that are beautiful in the winter landscape.” There are many foliage colors throughout the year that offer plenty of interest and texture to your garden. “The use of foliage colors in chartreuse, purple, and shades of green in the garden is as good as flowers,” says Putnam. Also, don’t be afraid to let some spent flowers stay on. “Spent flowers are a super way to add color and interest in the winter garden,” says Putnam, “Also, spent flowers and grasses offer food and cover for birds and overwintering pollinators.”
