WINTER DESIGN INSPIRATION 
It's easy to create interesting and colorful plant combinations in spring, summer and fall but what about winter? Where do you start? This is one of my favorite winter scenes. Think BOLD & GOLD. Bright yellow or golden tones add a touch of sunshine to the gloomiest winter day. Read about some of my favorite golden conifers . 
Then look for an accent in red - it could be berries, foliage or stems. Here you can see the rich burgundy leaves of a sweetgum (Liquidambar) next to the fluffy golden Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan-sugi'). The sweet gum holds its fall color for several months.
Many winter shrubs have red berries, hollies being a favorite. in this border I have three large Parney's cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lacteus) each one laden with scarlet clusters. The photo above shows how the golden conifer foliage throws a spotlight onto the berries.
A vine maple in the background is starting to lose its leaves but look how striking the younger stems are. Their red tones play into the display beautifully.
Even the variegated maiden grass (Miscanthus) plays a role with the white variegation adding sparkle and the pale pink plumes echoing the berry color. The grass will turn tan as the winter progresses but will still add structure for many months.
Having put together your combination, build on it by repeating some plants and colors. This is how a section of it looks in our garden; What is outside your window? Back to top | 
