Gardens are more than flowers in the summer and sticks in the winter. Japanese Maples and Crepe Myrtles have popped up everywhere from parking strips and malls to home gardens and public spaces. While they may look great during the warmer months, an over reliance on them means a photosynthesis free zone (no leaves) for the cooler months. Not exactly enticing us to step outside and enjoy them.

Manzanita 'Howard McMinn'

    There are far more evergreen options available to the home gardeners than we seem to think. One of my favorite species is the native Manzanita. It is tough as old boots (once past establishment phase) and requires little to no care. It flowers during the cool months, which provides nutrition for wildlife and visual appeal to the homeowner. It's also evergreen. Summer reveals the little brown fruits and the big peel where last year's bark curls up into a thousand tiny scrolls before falling away to expose the current seasons bark. 

Grevillea 'Red Hooks'

   Australian natives usually bloom in both winter and very early spring while also keeping their leaves. Grevillea victoriae is a great example. Hundreds of orange/red flowers hang like ornaments during winters. Grevillea 'Red Hooks' is a 12-16' green screen that flushes with deep red flowers in late winter to early spring. Both are adored by hummingbirds and bees.