Winter Colors

Holly ( Ilex Xmeserveae ) Blue Princess or China Girl

Many Gardeners, landscape Designers, and Grounds managers will select different species of trees and shrubs to provide winter color.  Some are chosen for the color of the bark or for the berries that bring out different colors for winter viewing. Birch Trees are usually the most popular choice as well as the Holly. China Girl and Blue Princess seem to be abundant in the local nurseries during the growing season. The white color of the Birch against the back drop of a dark building or just the drape colors of winter will stand out for all to notice. 

Choose specimens that are best for the zone you live in. Also you can add a little winter color in a lot of locations. Small gardens to large park areas, most settings need that touch of a well thought out picture of the landscape all year long.

Colorado Spruce ( Picea Pungens)

During the long winter months of January and February it is a great time to reflect on last years garden and design new plans for this years garden. Besides the vegetable garden, this year I hope to do some new landscaping in front of my own house. And I will definitely keep in mind the colors that often get looked at from the warmth of the house in the cold of the New England winter. 
I will be able to use some of the items pictured here but others are to big for my little postage stamp. The Holly is always a winner. The Red Twig Dogwood looks great in groupings. The Colorado Spruce is great for a open lawn area and can also make a great back drop to other plantings. Use can also use the Spruce for Christmas decorations. Another Birch that is also cool is the River Birch. It's bark is not as white, but the black ends of the branches look neat against the white snow if we ever have any.

The political season continues to heat up with a lot of happenings in the local press. The race between Senator Scott Brown and Elisabeth Warren will be the lead story as for as anything in Massachusetts.  But there is a ton of activity already for local state seats as well as congressional seats. It will be a very exciting year and if you are apolitical junkie like I am then this is the jack pot!

Red Twig Dogwood ( Conus Sericea ) Silver and Gold

And speaking locally, our new council president really seems to be in hot water with his committee appointments. For what ever reason posses these politicians to keep making the same mistakes over and over, and were the people who keep putting them back in. Making appointments based on who is my buddy is considered wrong these days. Political back slapping his quickly becoming history, as demonstrated in the Occupy movement.  Oversight  is now the norm for all politicians and Council President Jimmy Ferria just does not get it. When Tim Rooke says,"that's the way it has always been done". Wouldn't it had been nice it president Jimmy changes things for once. I mean the chamber has not worked in years why keep it the same guys?
That is it for now, off to investigate plant material for my foundation planting. Good Luck,

    Edward Pagliaro C.G.M.