Winter Interest

Winter typically signals a season of discontent for gardeners. Fading sunlight, falling temperatures, and frequent doses of snow and ice have them singing, "Where have all the flowers gone?" That first killing frost doesn't have to kill your gardening spirit.

Despite a lack of blooms in winter, your garden can still be exciting to see and -- weather permitting -- explore. Here are some ways to create winter charm, this year and in seasons to come.

Invest in Evergreens

You may take evergreens for granted the rest of the year, but in winter, you'll admire and appreciate their hardy constitutions, faithful colors, and abundant textures.

Once cold weather has undressed their deciduous cousins, the spiky needles of spruces, yews, junipers, and arborvitae droop beneath the weight of a generous white blanket. Snow or no, broadleaf evergreens, such as boxwoods, hollies, inkberries, and rhododendrons, bring the green of life to a winter-weary garden.

Create Soothing Sounds

Perhaps the one garden element you don't notice until it's gone is sound. Most of the year, the garden is full of sound: the chatter of birds, insects, and other wildlife; the sound of breezes moving through full trees; and the rumble and patter of a thunderstorm.